Question 1

how long should arteriosclerosis of extremities last?

Accepted Answer

Lifelong: There is no way to significantly reverse arteriosclerosis.  The calcified cholesterol plaques will remain there lifelong.  The goal is to prevent this,  reduce further development, and reduce the potential problems associated with it - heart attack, stroke, leg claudication.

Question 2

what are the tests for arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

Usually start with..: Dopplers of the lower or upper extremities. Its easy and inexpensive. If this is abnormal then i usually proceed to a cat scan with contrast to define the anatomy.With this information i decide if a catheter and a stent or angioplasty vs a surgical bypass is needed..

Question 3

what sort of problem is arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

Arteriosclerosis: Arteriosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries.  This happens from fat, cholesterol or other harmful substances stick to the wall of the artery and form a plaque.  Over time, the plaque can grow and end up closing off most of the artery.  This causes a decreased blood flow and you can get problems with the extremities from them not getting enough blood.

Question 4

what are the symptoms of arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

Claudication: Cramping in the extremity with use, is usually the first symptom. As it progresses rest pain, change in coloring, and in extreme cases gangrene.

Question 5

what does it mean when you have arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

PAD: Peripheral arterial disease is caused by cholesterol build up that narrows the arteries carrying oxygen and blood flow to the legs.  Most patients have no symptoms and are diagnosed with an abi, measuring blood pressure in the legs. Treatment is lowering cholesterol, exercise, not smoking, and controlling blood pressure.

Question 6

is there a way to stop arteriosclerosis of extremities before it starts?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Don't smoke and don't be exposed to second-hand smoke. Avoid diabetes by maintaining normal body weight. Perform regular exercise. If you do these 3 things consistently  throughout your life, you will not develop peripheral arterial disease (pad) (arteriosclerosis of the extremities).

Question 7

the thought of getting arteriosclerosis of extremities scares me. what are risk factors for it?

Accepted Answer

A few: Diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, genetic predisposition.

Question 8

my adult kids are worried about my health now that i have arteriosclerosis of extremities. what should i tell them?

Accepted Answer

You can do it...: Reassure them that you are doing what it takes to improve your health.  This includes eating healthy, quitting smoking, regular exercise per direction of your doctor and take prescribed medications which may include blood pressure and cholesterol lowering medications, Aspirin or clopidogrel.  The goal is to decrease risk of heart attack and stroke in addition to improving circulation in your legs.

Question 9

how to treat arteriosclerosis of extremities quickly?

Accepted Answer

Medical management : In general, taking an Aspirin and statin medicine is the quickest way to begin treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Exercise, weight loss, blood pressure, and diabetes control can be improved immediately. Many people will get improvement with these measures alone. See your doctor before starting any new medicine or lifestyle change.

Question 10

what is the treatment for arteriosclerosis of extremities?

Accepted Answer

PAD: Quitting smoking, couple with antiplatelet therapy, and vasodilator therapy.  Aggressive walking program will improve collateral circulation and reduce claudication pain.

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My adult kids are worried about my health now that i have arteriosclerosis of extremities. what should i tell them?

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What is the treatment for arteriosclerosis of extremities?

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