May is a good time to be tested for
PAD
May is Older Americans Month yet of the more than 37
million Americans 65 and older as many as one in five
should think twice before kicking up their heels in celebration.
"Approximately 10 million Americans have peripheral
arterial diseases (PAD)," explains Dr. Forrest Robart,
a general surgeon who serves as medical director at the
Battle Creek Health System Wound Healing Center and Hyperbaric
Medicine.
PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and,
over time, hardens and narrows the flow of oxygen rich
blood to the head, organs, and most commonly the legs.
"Less than half of those with PAD are aware of
their diagnosis, yet those with the disease are four
times more likely to experience a heart attack and two
to three times more likely to experience a stroke than
others," Dr. Robart says.
Those living with diabetes are at greater risk for PAD
and the American Diabetes Association recommends that
people with diabetes over the age of 50 have an ankle
brachial index test for PAD. The non-invasive exam is
performed by placing blood pressure cuffs on the patient's
ankles and arms. PAD may be indicated if the ankle reading
is significantly lower than the arm blood pressure measurement.
The local experts at the Battle Creek Health System
Wound Healing Center offer these tips on assessing risk
and lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the
risk of PAD:
* PAD leg pain occurs in the muscles not the joints.
Talk to your health care professional if you experience
leg pain that does not go away when exercising or if
your legs hurt when walking or climbing stairs.
* PAD can hinder healing in foot and leg wounds and,
in serious cases, result in tissue death and result in
amputation. Seek medical treatment if a leg or foot wound
has not healed in 30 days or shows signs of infection.
* Risk factors include a family history of heart disease,
heart attacks, or strokes. In addition, men are slightly
more at risk than women and African Americans have a
higher risk factor.
* High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and obesity
put you at greater risk for PAD. Work with health care
professionals to develop a heart-healthy lifestyle.
* Smokers may have four times the risk of PAD as nonsmokers
since smoking causes additional narrowing of blood vessels,
allowing PAD to progress faster.
Treatment includes exercise to improve circulation,
medication to reduce blood pressure or thin the blood,
physical therapy, improved foot care and, in extreme
cases, surgery.
The BCHS Wound Healing Center specializes in the treatment
of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers
hospital-based outpatient wound care. To arrange to be
tested or for more information on disease management,
call the BCHS Wound Center at (269) 966-8560.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent
organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic
health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing
homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care
agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS
Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission
on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle
Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades
Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five
Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee
replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information
company that provides objective 'report card' ratings
nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the
community and promotes wellness for the whole person
with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical
information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com
or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132. |
