Welcome to this weeks edition of Baby Boomer Health – PAD

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This is your host, Denise Boomer and Dr. Bee Boomer, welcoming you to this weeks edition of the Baby Boomer Health on PodcastForBoomers.com.

This week we are talking about Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

Familiar with arthersclerosis of the heart and brain (heart attacks and strokes)? Well that also happens in the arteries of the lower extremity (legs). It affects up to 20% of people older than 65.

Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, overweight, getting little or no exercise, and having a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.

Results of having PAD include hard to heal foot ulcers, infections, gangrene and pain on walking.

Symptoms include pain in the buttocks or leg muscles on walking which subsides upon rest. But most people do not have any clear symptoms.

It can be initially diagnosed by comparing the blood pressure in your arm and in your ankle. This is called the ABI. If there is a significant difference in the blood pressures further test may be indicated.

Nothing about PAD should be considered part of getting older. If you are having symptoms or are over 65 ask you doctor about PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease).

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Until the next time, this is your host Dr. Bee Boomer and Denise Boomer saying good bye!