Cardiovascular Health IT’S MORE THAN JUST YOUR HEART

When you think of your cardiovascular system, you most likely think of your heart and your blood vessels. However, your cardiovascular system extends to the arms and legs as well, and includes veins and arteries.

Cardiovascular conditions in the legs are usually identified by leg pain, cramping, or discoloration. In the case of peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, plaque buildup narrows arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs. Like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs puts you at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. Other symptoms include numbness, coldness, sores that won’t heal, discoloration, hair loss, shiny skin or weak pulse. If you have heart disease, you have a one in three chance of developing PAD.

Other risk factors include: age 50+, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and family history of vascular disease. A simple, painless ultrasound called an ankle brachial index (ABI) can diagnose PAD. Once detected, treatment can reduce symptoms, improve mobility, enhance quality of life, and help prevent heart attack, stroke, and amputation.

Like in the arteries, damaged veins in the legs can also cause vascular leg complications. Venous disease is a condition when the veins in the legs do not properly return blood back to the heart. Damaged or weakened veins cause blood to flow backwards, causing blood to pool in the legs. This leads to visible, painful or swollen veins, including varicose or spider veins. Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging or twisting veins, whereas spider veins are smaller and are seen as blue or red lines closer to the skin’s surface.

In addition to visible veins, other symptoms of venous disease include:

• Swelling or heaviness in legs

• Leg pain – Aching, cramping, burning or throbbing, especially after prolonged periods of sitting

• Discoloration of skin

• Protrusion of enlarged veins with a cord or rope-like appearance

• Dry or weeping eczema

• Leg ulcers

• Restless legs

• Itching

Diagnosing venous disease relies on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. To confirm the presence of venous disease, a physician will most commonly use tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to visualize how blood travels through the veins. A blood test or venography x-ray can also be done to find potential blood clots.

Venous disease can be treated with lifestyle modifications as well as medication. Compression stockings are most commonly used to help relieve symptoms, improve blood flow, and reduce swelling. However to treat the root of the problem, further medical treatment may be needed to reduce symptoms and improve appearance. Cardiovascular Institute of the South offers comprehensive treatment for venous disease with the latest minimally-invasive procedures, all performed conveniently in a clinic setting. Without treatment, venous disease can worsen due to the pressure of the backflow of blood in the legs. It can cause tissue inflammation, tissue damage or blood clots, leading to ulcers and infections, and ultimately making the condition painful and debilitating. That is why it is important to receive proper diagnosis and treatment from a vein specialist.

LEG ACHES AND PAINS ARE JUST SIGNS OF OLD AGE.

If you experience symptoms of vascular disease in the legs, visit a cardiologist to determine the cause of the problem. Dr. Riaz Rahman, interventional cardiologist, treats these conditions at CIS in Jennings. Schedule an appointment at CIS in Jennings by calling 337-388-6200 or visiting www.cardio.com.

Painful cramping in your legs can be caused by a lack of blood �ow.

Aches or cramps in your thighs or calves, especially after walking or climbing, can indicate blockages in the blood vessels. Coldness, numbness or painful ulcers can also be signs of peripheral vascular disease.

Don't ignore the signs. Schedule today at cardio.com