Vein Center at Iowa Heart reminds Iowans to Check Vein Health During National Peripheral Vascular Disease Month
Thursday, September 10, 2009
DES MOINES, Iowa - More than 12 million people are affected by PVD and nearly 75 percent do not experience symptoms. During National Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Awareness Month, the Vein Center at Iowa Heart is reminding Iowans how they can detect and prevent PVD.
PVD is a common circulation problem in which fatty deposits build up in the inner linings of artery walls causing the arteries to become narrowed or clogged. This restricts the normal blood flow to the kidneys, stomach, arms, legs and feet.
"PVD can lead to serious health problems," said Dr. Robert Zeff. "The most common symptom of PVD is pain in the legs which can result in numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs, or ulcers."
Vein screenings to detect PVD or other venous diseases are important to allow physicians to make recommendations for prevention or to suggest treatment options. Screenings assess your risk for venous disease and determine if any pain, discomfort or discolorations on your legs can be treated.
PVD is preventable. Lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of PVD:
- Stop smoking
- Control diabetes
- Be physically active
- Control blood pressure
- Eat a low-saturated-fat and low-cholesterol diet
The Vein Center at Iowa Heart offers free vein screenings around the state. Visit its Web site at www.healthylegsmatter.com to find out when the next screening is happening in your area.
About MercyOne Iowa Heart Vein Center
MercyOne Iowa Heart Vein Center is part of a multidisciplinary approach to overall cardiovascular health and disease prevention by the physicians and staff of the MercyOne Iowa Heart Center. Since its founding as a one-physician practice in 1970, MercyOne Iowa Heart Center's focus has remained the same: To provide quality, leading-edge, compassionate care to its patients and their families. With nearly 60 cardiologists and surgeons serving 11 locations across the state including offices at Mercy Medical Center, Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Iowa Lutheran Hospital as well as a clinic in West Des Moines. Dedication to being the best has helped Iowa Heart Center grow to one of the premiere cardiology, vascular and cardiovascular surgery practices in the nation.
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