By Samuel J. Stagg III, M.D.
Director, Peripheral Interventions
Cardiocascular Institute of the South

If you suffer pain or cramps in your hips, thighs or calves while walking, it may be a symptom of blockages developing in your leg arteries -- a potentially serious condition, if left untreated.

Peripheral vascular disease, to use the technical name, is essentially the same condition as coronary artery disease, which it often accompanies. In both conditions, cholesterol plaque deposits form in arteries, decreasing their blood-carrying capacity.

If the blocked arteries are in the heart, the pain is called angina --often the first warning of a potential heart attack. The same pain in the leg muscles is called claudication. It, too, can herald crippling and potentially life-threatening complicatio

Peripheral vascular disease is the leading cause of amputations in this country. It generally strikes those over the age of 45, and is a frequent complication of diabetes. Smokers, people with high blood pressure or unfavorable blood cholesterol, a famil

As the condition worsens, other symptoms develop, including pain in the toes or feet while at rest -- particularly if the legs are elevated; numbness and tingling in the toes, foot and leg; paleness of the foot or leg when elevated; a blue or red discolora

If you suffer these symptoms, see your doctor or a cardiovascular specialist skilled in addressing the condition. The tests for reduced leg circulation are simple and painless.

While peripheral vascular disease at one time could only be corrected surgically, there are now a number of highly effective non surgical procedures available.

Peripheral vascular disease is progressive. It will not go away without treatment. Take the symptoms for what they are -- a warning -- and seek competent medical assessment without delay!

&copy 1995 Cardiocascular Institute of the South

For further frequent complication of diabetes. Smokers, people with high blood pressure or unfavorable blood cholesterol, a famil

As the condition worsens, other symptoms develop, including pain in the toes or feet while at rest -- particularly if the legs are elevated; numbness and tingling in the toes, foot and leg; paleness of the foot or leg when elevated; a blue or red discolora

If you suffer these symptoms, see your doctor or a cardiovascular specialist skilled in addressing the condition. The tests for reduced leg circulation are simple and painless.

While peripheral vascular disease at one time could only be corrected surgically, there are now a number of highly effective non surgical procedures available.

Peripheral vascular disease is progressive. It will not go away without treatment. Take the symptoms for what they are -- a warning -- and seek competent medical assessment without delay!

&copy 1995 Cardiocascular Institute of the South

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