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 Atherosclerosis
What is it?
As we get older, arteries accumulate fat along the inner walls causing atherosclerosis. This build up
eventually turns to plaque, weakening the arterial wall and causing either lower extremity occlusions
or an aneurysm - both potentially serious health problems.
The following lifestyle changes can help you reduce your risk factors for atherosclerosis:
- Quit smoking
- Take medication as prescribed
- Limit fat and salt intake
Carotid Artery Stenosis
What is it?
This problem is caused by narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the brain. "Little strokes"
are a warning sign of a potential problem but can often be treated to prevent a more serious stroke.
Symptoms:
- Vision or speech problems
- Numbness or muscular weakness
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
Treatment:
In the majority of cases, surgery successfully relieves the symptoms of TIA (transient ischemic attack)
and reduces the chance of a stroke. Carotid endarterectomy is the most common surgical procedure for
carotid artery blockage.
Lower Extremity Occlusion
What is it?
This condition occurs when blood vessels in the hips are blocked, reducing or cutting off blood flow
to the lower part of the limb.
Symptoms:
- Pain when walking, but relieved by rest -(arthritis may mimic this, but is not relieved by rest)
- Loss of hair
- Sores that don't heal quickly - usually on the feet
- Changes in thickness of toenails
Treatment:
Depending on the severity of the disease and the degree of disability, treatment is conservative
and minimally invasive involving balloon angioplasty, stent placement or bypass surgery to
detour a blocked artery.
Aortic Aneurysm
What is it?
A localized abnormal enlargement of a large artery in the abdomen. This occurs when the arterial wall
is weakened due to atherosclerosis, hereditary or other factors. If this enlarged artery ruptures,
serious injury or death can occur.
Symptoms:
Usually, no symptoms are accompanied with an aneurysm; however, you may notice occasional lower
back pain or tenderness below the ribs.
Treatment:
Because aneurysms can rupture without warning - causing internal bleeding and even death -
surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. The procedure is invasive and is surgically
performed using a synthetic graft.
If you would like more information on arterial disorders and the treatments described here,
contact The Center for Circulatory Disorders and Wound Treatment today at (937) 723-3985.
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We make walking possible and even pain-free for patients throughout the region. Don't wait until you need a last resort. For straight answers and expert treatment, call us today at (937) 723-3985.
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