May is a good time to be tested for PAD

May is Older Americans Month yet of the more than 37 million Americans 65 and older as many as one in five should think twice before kicking up their heels in celebration.

"Approximately 10 million Americans have peripheral arterial diseases (PAD)," explains Dr. Forrest Robart, a general surgeon who serves as medical director at the Battle Creek Health System Wound Healing Center and Hyperbaric Medicine.

PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and, over time, hardens and narrows the flow of oxygen rich blood to the head, organs, and most commonly the legs.

"Less than half of those with PAD are aware of their diagnosis, yet those with the disease are four times more likely to experience a heart attack and two to three times more likely to experience a stroke than others," Dr. Robart says.

Those living with diabetes are at greater risk for PAD and the American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes over the age of 50 have an ankle brachial index test for PAD. The non-invasive exam is performed by placing blood pressure cuffs on the patient's ankles and arms. PAD may be indicated if the ankle reading is significantly lower than the arm blood pressure measurement.

The local experts at the Battle Creek Health System Wound Healing Center offer these tips on assessing risk and lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the risk of PAD:
* PAD leg pain occurs in the muscles not the joints. Talk to your health care professional if you experience leg pain that does not go away when exercising or if your legs hurt when walking or climbing stairs.
* PAD can hinder healing in foot and leg wounds and, in serious cases, result in tissue death and result in amputation. Seek medical treatment if a leg or foot wound has not healed in 30 days or shows signs of infection.
* Risk factors include a family history of heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. In addition, men are slightly more at risk than women and African Americans have a higher risk factor.
* High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and obesity put you at greater risk for PAD. Work with health care professionals to develop a heart-healthy lifestyle.
* Smokers may have four times the risk of PAD as nonsmokers since smoking causes additional narrowing of blood vessels, allowing PAD to progress faster.

Treatment includes exercise to improve circulation, medication to reduce blood pressure or thin the blood, physical therapy, improved foot care and, in extreme cases, surgery.

The BCHS Wound Healing Center specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care. To arrange to be tested or for more information on disease management, call the BCHS Wound Center at (269) 966-8560.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.