| What
is it ?
As the age advances , fat depositions and hardening
of arteries occurs in the heart, blood vessels that
supply the brain and also those that provide blood to
the limbs. It is true that the narrowing of arteries
in an y one field can predispose to similar changes
in other region. Today we have scientific data to prove
that approximately 30% of patients with heart disease
will develop peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in five
years time. Conversely it is also true that heart attacks
are the commonest mode of death for patients with PVD.
What are the risk factors for developing PVD?
Since the disease occurs due to reduced blood supply
to the limbs, the risk factor for developing this process,
remains almost the same as that for coronary artery
disease. These are smoking, diabetes mellitus, high
blood pressure, and presence of heart disease and high
cholesterol. This condition does run in families.
What are the symptoms ?
The symptoms can be mild or severe depending on the
status of the disease process in a particular patient.
Cramping pain in the legs which occurs on walking and
exercise and is relieved by taking rest is an early
symptom.Severe continuous pain in the foot or toes signifies
a more advanced disease.In neglected cases one can have
blackening of toes ( Gangrene), no healing painful ulcers.
What can be done?
I f this disease is suspected in a patient, who has
one or more risk factors, a specialist needs t be consulted.
A complete clinical examination with a bedside doppler
study can give a fairly accurate diagnosis. This is
type of utra sound and the study doesn’t involve
any painful procedures.
What are the treatment options?
The diagnosis can be confirmed by angiography which
requires, a hospital admission. Apart from confirming
the diagnosis, this test will provide us exact information
as to the site and extent of the blocks. Depending on
site and extent either ballooning or surgery can be
done to restore blood supply to the
limbs.
What are the complications?
Just as in the heart, if the blood supply is not restored
to the limb it will infract (Gangrene), in other words
loose functioning. This may result in loss of limb and
in complicated cases threaten life.
Is there a way of avoiding the problem?
Prevention is always better than cure. Control or avoidance
of known risk factors such as smoking, control of diabetes
and high blood pressure will be useful. It is most important
not to ignore the symptoms and get seen by a specialist
in good time.
Are you at risk for peripheral vascular disease?
Go ahead and do a self-assignment, by answering following
questions:
1. Do you and have you ever smoked? Yes/No
2. Do you have heart disease, diabetes mellitus or high
blood pressure? Yes/No
3. Do you have a family history of any of these problems?
Yes/No
4. Do you have raised cholesterol? Yes/No
5. Are you overweight by more than 10kgs? Yes/No
6. Do you get pain in your calves or hips on walking
which is relieved by rest? Yes/No
If the answer is yes to three or more questions then
you need to see a specialist, for assessment of your
peripheral circulation. Contact the hospital for special
programs like “ Legs for life” and “Stroke
Prevention.”
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