• Patient Portal
  • Pay My Bill
  • Request an Appointment
  • 855-429-7633
Hays Medical Center
  • About Us
  • Providers
  • Services
  • Careers at HaysMed
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Contact Us
  • search
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay My Bill
  • About Us
  • Providers
  • Services
  • Careers at HaysMed
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Contact Us
  • search
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay My Bill

Blog

Hays Medical Center > HaysMed News > CLOGGED ARTERIES IN LEGS POSE MAJOR HEALTH RISK

CLOGGED ARTERIES IN LEGS POSE MAJOR HEALTH RISK

By Gayla Wichman - In HaysMed News, Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News - September 6, 2017

HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center recognizes September as
Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month

 Hays KS (Sept 6, 2017) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health Center is highlighting information on Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) as part of a PAD Awareness month in September. PAD is a condition that develops when the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque). PAD can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation and possibly death. PAD affects 8 to 12 million Americans, which is why September is recognized as PAD Awareness Month.

There are many possible side effects of atherosclerosis including angina and heart attacks if the coronary arteries are involved; strokes and transient ischemic attacks if the carotid and vertebral arteries are involved; and claudication, non-healing leg ulcers and critical limb ischemia if the lower extremity arteries are involved. Chronic toe and foot sores are common in people with PAD, as are cramping, numbness, weakness or heaviness in the leg muscles. Many patients with PAD do not experience symptoms.

“While some with PAD do not experience symptoms, people should be aware of certain factors that put them more at risk,” said, Todd Walburn, BSN, RN, Director of the Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center at HaysMed.  “Smokers are four times at greater risk, African Americans are more than twice as likely to have PAD, and one in every three people over the age of 50 with diabetes is likely to have the disease.”

The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at HaysMed recommends the following action steps to help manage PAD:

  • Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, correcting blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
    • Smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for the development of PAD. Managing these conditions can help improve blood circulation.
  • Develop healthy eating habits and an exercise plan
    • Exercising can help increase the circulation and reduce pain in the lower extremities. Walking, hiking and bike riding are good exercise options. A personal trainer can help tailor a custom workout plan that best fits a person’s needs.
  • Medications
    • Always consult with a physician about which medications may help PAD and if they are needed.
  • Special procedures and surgeries
    • In some severe cases of PAD, surgery may be needed to open arteries that have narrowed. Consult with a physician to see if surgery is a necessary treatment.

For more information about PAD and treating chronic wounds, contact the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at 785-623-5602 or go to www.haysmed.com/wound-center/.

 

# # #

  • hays
  • hays ks
  • hays medical center
  • hays medical center foundation
  • haysmed
  • haysmed breast care center
  • PAD
  • Peripheral Artery Disease
  • Tests for PAD
  • well-being
  • wellness
  • western kansas
  • western ks
← Rave Reviews September 2017
HaysMed Helps Sponsor Out of the Darkness Walk to Raise Awareness About Suicide →
Related Posts

Recent Posts

  • HaysMed Nurse Recognized with Daisy Award
    January 23, 2023
  • HaysMed Honors Nurses Completing the RN Residency Program
    January 18, 2023
  • HaysMed Nurse Receives Critical Care Certification
    January 9, 2023
  • HaysMed Pharmacist Earns Board Certification as an Oncology Pharmacist
    November 29, 2022
  • HaysMed Unveils the Most Up-to-Date MRI Technology in the Region
    November 28, 2022
  • HaysMed Opens Pain Center
    November 28, 2022
  • HaysMed Offers Cementless Total Knee Replacement
    November 10, 2022
  • HaysMed Celebrates Forensic Nurses Week
    November 9, 2022
  • HaysMed Nurse Recognized with Daisy Award
    October 27, 2022
  • Recommendations for getting your first screening mammogram
    October 12, 2022

2220 Canterbury | Hays, KS 67601

855-429-7633

Convenient Care/Walk-In Clinic

3216 Vine, Suite 20 | Hays, KS 67601

785-261-7065

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

M-F 8AM - 7:30P
Saturday 9AM - 4:30PM
Sunday 11AM - 4PM

Nurse Hotline

1-855-HaysMed

M-F 4:30PM - 8AM

Weekends & Holidays 24hrs

© Hays Medical Center Patients Rights & ResponsibilitiesNo Surprise DisclosureNondiscrimination StatementNotice of Privacy PracticesGood Faith Estimate