If you answered yes, it’s time consider getting a vascular screening. It can save your life!
Vascular disease is among the leading causes of death in the United States, yet often, there are no symptoms until a major health event occurs such as a stroke or a deadly aneurysm. As the heart beats, it pumps blood through the circulatory system which carries blood throughout the body. Vascular disease involves any illness that affects the circulatory system, such as carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm or peripheral artery disease.
While preventive vascular screening is widely available, millions of Americans who might be at risk for stroke or even death from vascular disorders, remain unaware of their risk. Vascular screening is painless and very easy to obtain. It is done in a series of 3 ultrasound procedures that provide an image of the major arteries. It can save your life!
If you are 55 or older with history of smoking, are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of stroke you are at high risk for vascular disease.
The three most common vascular diseases are Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Carotid arteries provide the main blood supply to the brain.
Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when the major arteries in your neck become narrowed or blocked. A sticky substance called “plaque” builds up in the arteries causing a blockage, which can potentially lead to a stroke.
Symptoms include: weakness or numbness in the face, arm and leg (often on one side), confusion or trouble speaking, decreased vision, difficulty with walking, balance and sudden severe headache.
When a weak area of the abdominal aorta grows, it is called an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). AAA can develop in anyone, but it is most frequently seen in people over 50 with one or more risk factors. The larger the aneurysm, the more likely it is to rupture. Once detected, the AAA can be monitored or surgically repaired. An undetected ruptured AAA has a fatality rate of 75%. and is often referred to as the "silent killer". Many people have no symptoms until they become severe such as intense back or abdominal pain. Men are at greater risk for AAA than women.
Peripheral ArteryDisease (PAD) is a condition caused by a thickening of the inside walls of the arteries of your legs. This thickening called atherosclerosis, narrows the space through which blood can flow, decreasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the legs or feet. PAD can affect both legs, but most often symptoms begin in one leg. Not only does PAD pose a threat to the health of the legs, it can often be a sign of heart disease. Symptoms include a cold feeling in lower leg or foot, discoloration of foot, pain or cramping in hips, thighs & calves when walking or exercising, which is relieved with rest, or when activity is stopped.
At SFVA our highly trained, expert endovascular surgeons Dr. William Julien and Dr. Curtis Anderson, have successfully treated thousands of patients with vascular diseases. If you or a loved one suspect that you may have a vascular condition, we invite you to contact our office today for a consultation to learn more about your condition and about the treatments and procedures that are available to you.. We have three convenient office locations, Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation.
