ABI

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE: (PVD)

PVD is a disease of the blood vessels that affects tens of thousands of people. The arteries that carry blood to the arms or legs become narrowed or clogged, slowing or stopping the flow of blood. This desease most often affects the legs, and many people live with the symptoms of PVD - such as pain or numbness in the arms or legs - because they mistakingly belive it is a "normal" part of aging. PVD does not have to be a part of growing older, and the condition, once identified can often be treated.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

It is often caused by atherosclerosis, or hardining of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue build up inside the artery. Symptoms of PVD can occur when a blood clot develops in an artery.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

The most common symptom is leg pain, particularly when walking or exercising, which goes away after a few minutes of rest. OTHER SYMPTOMS:

     - numbness and tingling in the lower legs and feet.
    - coldness in the lower legs and feet
    - ulcers and sores on the legs and feet that don't heal.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

Anyone can develope PVD, but it occurs most often in people who are over 50 years of age. Factors that contribute to the disease include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of heart or vascular disease and being overweight.

STUDIES SHOW THAT INDIVIDUALS WITH AN ABNORMAL ANKLE BRACHIAL INDEX (ABI) MAY BE AT RISK OF PVD AS WELL AS HAVING A MUCH HIGHER RISK OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE. THIS TEST SCREENS FOR BLOCKED LEG ARTERIES USING BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS OBTAINED WITH A HAND HELD DOPPLER. PREPERATION FOR THIS NON-INVASIVE 5-10 MINUTE TEST INCLUDES REMOVAL OF SHOES AND SOCKS.