WHEN BLOOD VESSELS
feeding the heart
become narrow or clogged, doctors call
it coronary artery disease (CAD). When
the same thing happens to blood vessels
away from the heart, it’s called peripheral
arterial disease (PAD). It’s also known as
peripheral vascular disease.
Ashtabula County Medical Center
(ACMC) vascular surgeon Sang Won
Dacri-Kim, DO, says PAD and CAD are
both caused by atherosclerosis, in which
fat, cholesterol and other substances
slowly build up inside arteries.
“When you have this plaque buildup,
it makes it harder for oxygen-rich blood
to feed the body’s tissues,” Dr. Dacri-
Kim said. “Both conditions pose similar
dangers: increased risk of heart attack
and stroke. And since PAD usually occurs
in the lower body, it can also affect legs
and feet in sometimes life-altering ways.”
For example, leg muscles and other
tissues starved for blood can become
painful, particularly during exertion. That
can turn everyday things like walking
around the block or climbing stairs into
painful chores.
PAD-slowed circulation can also make
infections more likely and more difficult
to heal. In the worst cases, PAD can cause
gangrene and lead to amputation.
What are the signs?
Besides leg pain, other common signs and
symptoms of PAD include:
➜
Numbness, weakness or legs that feel
heavy.
➜
Burning, aching feet while resting.
➜
Skin color changes or hair loss on the
legs or feet.
➜
Foot sores that don’t heal or heal slowly.
“We are concerned about PAD because
many people do not see symptoms,”
Dr. Dacri-Kim said. “These can worsen
over time and create an even greater
health risk. People often complain of
being tired or having leg pain, but they
don’t know it as a symptom of PAD.”
To help diagnose PAD, your doctor will
Achy legs
Expert care
Dr. Dacri-Kim is a
member of the American
Osteopathic Association.
He sees patients full time
at ACMC. Check with your
physician or insurance
provider to see if a referral
is needed.
To schedule an
appointment, call
440-997-6940
.
Vascular surgeon
Sang Won
Dacri-Kim, DO
may signal
artery
disease
ask about your medical history, discuss any
symptoms and do an exam. He or she may
take your pulse at your legs and feet and
compare blood pressure readings from your
arms to readings from your ankles. This is
known as an ankle-brachial index test.
If these results point to PAD, your
doctor may do tests to find a blockage.
Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT)
angiogram, arteriography and magnetic
resonance arteriography are often used.
If you have PAD, treatment usually
involves changing daily habits and taking
medicine. Changes may include these
recommendations:
➜
Stop smoking. Smokers are more likely
to have pain with PAD.
➜
Manage blood pressure, cholesterol
and—if you have diabetes—blood
glucose levels. Your doctor may suggest
medications to help.
➜
Eat a healthy diet and exercise. Both
help keep blood vessels healthy.
Your doctormay also suggestmedications
to reduce pain while walking and to lower
your risk for blood clots.
If these measures aren’t enough, surgery
to widen or bypass narrowed or blocked
blood vessels may be needed.
ACMC Pulse •
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