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Peripheral
Vascular Disease Screenings at OLBH
A part of the mission of Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital is to improve
the community’s health and well being. Peripheral vascular disease
(PVD) is one such health concern that the OLBH Vascular Center professionals
are aggressively targeting for the improvement of a vast number of
our region’s aging population.
Most individuals who take advantage of the valuable service have normal
PVD results. However, a number of those screened have moderate-markedly
abnormal findings, signaling significant disease progression.
If you are unfamiliar with PVD or the free screenings OLBH offers,
the following information may help you further understand this important
health concern.
Who Benefits from PVD Screenings?
PVD screenings are designed for individuals who have symptoms of peripheral
vascular disease – aches, cramps, or pain in your legs when
walking or exercising. “Pain, in this instance, occurs because
the muscles in the legs are not getting the proper amount of oxygenated
blood to the arteries in the body’s lower extremities,”
Becky Sammons, RN, BSN, OLBH Vascular Center nurse specialist, said.
“PVD is the technical term for this blockage.”
PVD is caused by atherosclerosis. As the disease progresses, symptoms
also may include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or arm;
coldness of the leg, foot, arm, hand, or fingers; paleness of the
leg, foot, arm, or hand when elevated; blue or red discoloration of
the feet, toes, arms, or fingers; and sores that don’t heal.
Who’s at Risk for PVD?
The following activities and conditions put you at greater risk for
developing PVD:
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Smoking
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Diabetes
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High Blood Pressure
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High Cholesterol
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Obesity
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Heart
Disease
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Family
History of Cardiovascular Disease
How are PVD Screenings Performed?
“The test for PVD is simple and painless,” Sammons explained.
“Once the patient reserves their appointment with the CareLine,
the OLBH Vascular Center’s specialized healthcare professionals
take care of you from there.”
PVD screenings involve an ankle-brachial index (ABI). “This
involves placing a blood pressure cuff around the patient’s
ankle, and obtaining a blood pressure reading from the artery in their
foot with a Doppler ultrasound,” Sammons stated. “The
blood pressure is measured in both legs as well as in the patient’s
arms. Based on the results of the ABI, along with the patient’s
risk factors and symptoms for the disease, we can determine if further
evaluation is needed.”
Communication to Family Physicians
PVD screening results are returned to the patient’s primary
care physician following the screening. If you attended one of the
recent free PVD screenings at OLBH, speak to your family physician
about your results and how it affects your overall health. Your physician
may recommend further examination at the OLBH Vascular Center or lifestyle
changes that may help to better manage your condition.
“The best treatment for PVD depends on a variety of clinical
factors,” Sammons stated. “In some cases, lifestyle changes
are enough to halt progression and help patients to manage the disease.”
Medications that lower cholesterol or control high blood pressure
also may be prescribed.
When lifestyle changes or medications do not alleviate PVD symptoms,
a number of advanced procedures are offered by the OLBH Vascular Center
to open the arteries and restore blood flow to the affected area.
“In many cases, the procedures to correct PVD are minimally
invasive and do not involve surgery,” Sammons said. “A
number of talented physicians at OLBH are capable of successfully
repairing vascular conditions, leading to an improved quality of life
for the patient.”
If you suspect you or someone you love may have PVD, it is important
to attend Our Lady of Bellefonte’s next PVD screening. Free
PVD screenings are offered quarterly throughout the year in the
OLBH Vascular Center. Call the CareLine to find out more
information at (606) 833-CARE (2273).
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