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Home » Exercise Programs » HEALTH WAVES: Listen to your legs for signs of peripheral vascular disease – The Florida Times-Union

Jared Feyko, DO| For Shorelines

If your legs feel heavy or you experience cramping or pain when walking, you may be suffering from peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PVD is caused by a blockage in the arteries of the extremities, most commonly the legs. Just like blockages in the hearts vessels, PVD is caused by a buildup of plaque and fatty material on the inner walls of the arteries in the extremities.

Those most affected by PVD are people who smoke, have high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, or a family history of arteriosclerosis (hardening in the walls of the arteries).

If you have symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care doctor for an evaluation, which will include an ultrasound and leg blood pressure exam. If PVD is the problem, you should see a vascular surgeon trained in endovascular (minimally invasive) techniques.

If diagnosed with PVD, it is extremely important to take steps to keep your symptoms from getting worse. If you are a smoker, quit smoking immediately. Additionally, its crucial to have your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers in the healthy range.

Early treatment options are generally conservative and dont require surgery. Many patients see improvement with anti-platelet therapy, such as taking a baby aspirin every day, supervised exercise programs and medication that opens up arteries in the legs, promoting better blood flow.

If treatment is delayed, PVD may progress to having leg pain at rest and a pins-and-needles sensation. In more severe cases, patients can develop gangrenous dark spots, where the tissue has died from a lack of blood flow. Without intervention, these patients have a 50 percent chance of losing a limb within a year.

Whether PVD is in the beginning or later stages, vascular surgeons who are trained in minimally invasive techniques offer patients the most effective treatment with the least amount of down time. The majority of patients, even those with advanced PVD, can be treated with endovascular (minimally invasive) intervention.

For most patients with PVD, a minimally invasive procedure through the femoral artery (located in the groin), is the approach. Patients are typically up and walking within a short time after the procedure and are able to go home the same day. Unrestricted activities may be resumed within a day or two.

Patients who already have stents in this area or whose anatomy is not ideal for this approach may require a traditional procedure. This involves removing or bypassing the arterial disease with either a vein from the patient or a synthetic graft. Alternatively, the surgeon may open the artery and scrape out the plaque, preserving the artery.

Along with screening the legs for PVD, it is also important to get an ultrasound screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (enlargement of the major blood vessel that passes through the belly) if you are at risk. Youre considered at risk if you have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms, or youre a man over 65 and have ever smoked. Medicare Part B covers a one-time screening for those at risk.

Additionally, those who have had a stroke, mini-stroke, or symptoms of PVD should get an ultrasound screening for carotid stenosis, which is a narrowing or blockage of arteries in the neck.

If an abdominal aortic aneurysm or carotid stenosis is diagnosed, patients should promptly seek a consultation with a vascular surgeon. Do not take a wait-and-see approach and allow the condition to progress -- immediate intervention may be necessary.

Vascular surgeons address a variety of other issues, including venous stasis ulcers (open sores in the skin that occur where the valves in the veins don't work properly), varicose veins, hemodialysis access and more.

Taking care of your vascular health is vital for your overall well-being. For more information, visit BaptistJax.com/pvd or you may schedule an appointment by calling (904) 398-3888.

Jared Feyko, DO, is a vascular surgeon trained in endovascular (minimally invasive) techniques. He practices at Baptist Medical Center Beaches.

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HEALTH WAVES: Listen to your legs for signs of peripheral vascular disease - The Florida Times-Union

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Home » Exercise Programs » HEALTH WAVES: Listen to your legs for signs of peripheral vascular disease – The Florida Times-Union