Dr. Charles Jost
Cardiovascular Risk screenings are offered for our community, because you matter.
Have you ever wondered if your family history plays a role in your own personal cardiovascular health? Do you experience chest pain or leg pain while walking or while at rest?
—Charles M.T. Jost, MD
Know the Facts/Understand the Risk
Peripheral vascular disease (PAD) is a very common condition. It involves the large and medium sized arteries supplying blood to the legs, which can become narrowed or clogged, constricting the flow of blood. This condition occurs when the blood vessels supplying blood to the limbs and other organs of our body are partially or completely blocked due to plaque buildup.
Plaque generally forms out of the substances present in blood, such as fat, cholesterol, calcium and fibrous tissue, and the plaque deposits gradually harden, narrowing down the arteries. This narrowing limits the oxygen-rich blood supply to the various parts of your body, mostly affecting the blood vessels and the arteries of the legs.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain during exercise, which is relieved during rest.
- Discoloration of the skin, predominantly in arms and/or legs.
- Pain and muscle cramps in the legs while walking, climbing stairs (intermittent claudication).
- Cold legs, feet, sensation of the skin.
- Constant leg pain, tingling, burning or loss of sensation.
- Poor leg wound healing.
- Sores on toes and feet, which become difficult to heal.
- Numbness, weakness or heaviness of muscles.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD/PAD) screenings help in early detection of atherosclerosis (blockage) of the arteries. When detected early enough, this condition can be well maintained. Our screening involves painless and non-invasive testing, which may include:
- Comprehensive medication review.
- Comprehensive medical and family history.
- Leg pain assessment.
- Blood pressure analysis.
- Body mass index.
- Cholesterol/Lipid panel.
- Blood glucose index.
- Vascular ultrasound—Evaluates blood flow and calcification within the arteries.
- Echocardiography—Evaluates heart function and heart valves.
- Treadmill—Evaluates the heart rhythm, as well as exercise tolerance.
- Arteriogram—This is a procedure typically done at the hospital where a dye is injected into the arteries and arterial blood flow is visualized.
PVD/PAD screening is most useful in high-risk patients, such as individuals above 55 years of age, as they usually are at high risk of developing atherosclerosis and vascular disease. Risk factors of developing vascular disease include:
- Poor Diet.
- Heavy alcohol consumption.
- Diabetes Mellitus.
- High blood pressure.
- High blood cholesterol.
- Lack of exercise.
- Family history.
For more information, call Southwest CVA Cardiovascular Associates at (480) 945-4343. The office is located at 140 S. Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ 85206.