Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. There are many possible side effects of atherosclerosis, including angina and heart attacks if the coronary arteries are involved; strokes and transient ischemic attacks if the carotid and vertebral arteries are involved; and claudication, non-healing leg ulcers and critical limb ischemia if the lower extremity arteries are involved.
One in every 20 Americans older than 50 years of age have PAD. Common risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis and age.
PAD poses particular problems for health care professionals and patients with chronic wounds. Chronic toe and foot sores are common in people with PAD, as are cramping, numbness, weakness or heaviness in the leg muscles. Many patients with PAD do not experience symptoms. That’s why Baptist Health Wound Care performs tests for PAD, treats chronic wounds which may have underlying conditions of PAD and counsels patients on how to manage PAD.
Baptist Health Wound Care recommends the following action steps to help manage PAD:
• Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, correcting blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
• Develop healthy eating habits and an exercise plan
• Medications
• Special procedures and surgeries
People with wounds that have not improved with traditional methods of treatment may benefit from a visit to Baptist Health Wound Care. The center also treats burns, spider bites and trauma wounds. To schedule an appointment, phone 270-575-2414.
• Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, correcting blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
• Develop healthy eating habits and an exercise plan
• Medications
• Special procedures and surgeries
People with wounds that have not improved with traditional methods of treatment may benefit from a visit to Baptist Health Wound Care. The center also treats burns, spider bites and trauma wounds. To schedule an appointment, phone 270-575-2414.
