A warning sign of heart troubles?

There is a lot that can affect your heart health, that is why we are more than a heart hospital, with cardiovascular experts to treat your arteries, veins, heart and everything that affects them.

 

What Your Leg Pain Might Be Telling You

It’s easy to dismiss troublesome leg pain as a part of the aging process, or even arthritis. But pain that occurs in your leg muscles, not in the joints like arthritis, shouldn’t be ignored. This pain could actually be the sign of condition called peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

Peripheral vascular disease, or PVD is a common and progressive blood-vessel disease linked to stroke and heart attack. It usually occurs because leg arteries have become narrowed or clogged and are restricting proper blood flow. Arteries typically narrow because of a buildup of fatty deposits.

PVD is a disease without many symptoms, that's why it's important to know the ones that can surface.

 

Six Simple Questions to Determine if You’re at Risk for PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease)

Do you have:

 

High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or a family history of cardiovascular problems?

Yes No

Diabetes or family history of the condition?

Yes No

Pain in your legs (aching, cramping) when you walk or exercise, but when at rest the pain goes away?

Yes No

Toe or foot pain at night?

Yes No

Slow healing ulcers/sores on your feet or legs?

Yes No

A lifestyle that is largely inactive?

Yes No

Do you smoke?

Yes No

Have you ever smoked?

Yes No

 

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD ASK
YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease)

 

If you need assistance in finding a primary care physician
visit our comprehensive physician directory.

 

In most cases, PVD can be managed with lifestyle changes or drug therapy. In advanced cases, surgical procedures can help open or bypass blocked arteries. Learn more by watching the video in the "What is PVD" box on the right side of this page.