May 18, 2006 9:59 am US/Eastern
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Call 877-644-8346
This special advertising section content provided by Massachusetts General, and does not represent the opinions of CBS4 News and CBS Corporation.
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Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center provides the most advanced diagnosis and treatment available for the entire spectrum of vascular diseases.
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Massachusetts General Hospital
This special advertising section content provided by Massachusetts General
HospitalPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common vascular condition that affects approximately 10 to 12 million Americans each year. PAD is a narrowing or blockage in the leg arteries that can limit your ability to walk and function normally. PAD can also mean that there is blockage in other arteries throughout the body, mainly in the heart and those arteries that take blood to the brain.
"Millions of people have peripheral arterial disease and don't even know it. PAD is a serious vascular condition that can result in heart attack or stroke."
-- Dr. Michael Jaff, Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular CenterSYMPTOMS & RISK FACTORSThere are varied symptoms that could give an indication of peripheral arterial disease. Most commonly a person will experience leg discomfort when walking or standing.
"Many people initially think that leg discomfort is a sign of getting older, arthritis, or muscular problems. It may be in fact be [a] serious marker of heart attack, stroke, and early death due to artery blockage in the legs."
-- Dr. Michael Jaff, Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular CenterPeople with the greatest risk for PAD are those who smoke cigarettes, have diabetes, high cholesterol, or have a family history of vascular disease. Practicing a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing peripheral arterial disease.
Lifestyle changes to reduce your risk:• Avoid cigarette smoking
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Exercise daily
Learn more about PAD symptoms and risk factorsDIAGNOSISCommunicating with your doctor is the key in detecting peripheral arterial disease. Inform your doctor of any leg discomfort, pain when you walk or stand, and any family history of vascular disease. Non-invasive painless and risk-free tests can be performed to determine if further tests or treatment may be required.
Non-invasive tests:• Blood pressure test in limbs
• Ultrasound
• CT Scan
• Magnetic resonance scans
TREATMENTOnce diagnosed, a treatment plan will be devised based on how serious the disease has progressed. Lifestyle changes and medication are typically prescribed for less serious conditions with periodic monitoring, while medications and other minimally invasive therapies are utilized for more serious cases. There is no cure for peripheral arterial disease, however, there are innovative clinical trials available at Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center leading the way for future care.
Minimally invasive treatments:• Angioplasty or stenting
• Thrombectomy
• Cryotherapy
Invasive treatments:• Surgical bypass
• Endarterectomy
Learn more about the available clinical trials for PADUntreated vascular disease can lead to debilitating or life threatening physical problems. Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center sets the standard when it comes to treating vascular disease, and offers state-of-the-art evaluation for all types of vascular disease. In addition to the
advanced care options which are available for the full spectrum of vascular conditions, the Vascular Center strives to maintain optimal patient care.
Learn moreabout the Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center.
To make an appointment or to refer a patient for care at the Vascular Center, please call the Vascular Center Access Line at 877-644-8346. A nurse-coordinator is available to take pertinent information and facilitate access to the most appropriate specialist.
Sources
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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