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| Dr. Ronald L. Pohl |
It’s no secret that people with diabetes have a lot to think about when it comes to their health. And, at the very top of the list is the heightened risk for heart attack, stroke and vascular problems associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD involves the same fatty deposit buildup found in coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease, only with clogging occurring in the inner linings of the artery walls typically in the legs and feet. The disease can be life-threatening, but you can make a difference by giving special care to your blood vessels.
Dr. Ronald L. Pohl, cardio-thoracic surgeon with the Ohio Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeons Inc., recommends taking steps to change your lifestyle, consulting your physician about medications and, if necessary, undergoing surgical procedures.
“The remedy for PAD can be as simple as merely participating in a daily walking regimen, wearing special footwear, choosing the right medication, eating a heart-healthy diet or even some combination of all four,” Dr. Pohl said. “Of course, smoking is out of the question, as is overlooking high blood pressure. Either way, it’s important to get tested early and often.”
While some people with PAD don’t experience any warning signs, others do, citing leg pain when exercising, numbness, tingling or coldness in the lower legs or feet. If the symptoms are severe, treatment may call minimally invasive surgery, including angioplasty, stent placement, an artery bypass graft or clot removal.
“Whether the problems you experience are minor or major, it’s important to consult with your doctor, particularly if your family has a history of PAD,” Dr. Pohl said. “You might not be able to prevent the condition, but you can take precautions.”
Contact The Heart & Vascular Institute at Lima Memorial at
419-998-4764 for details on how to begin looking after for your heart and your health.
