FAQs
Have a question? Call 912-350-VEIN (8346) or 1-866-359-VEIN (8346). Or, send us
an e-mail at veininfo@memorialhealth.com.
Q: I have pain in my legs when I walk and have been told that I have poor
circulation. What does that mean?
A: Poor circulation (blockages in the arteries) is called peripheral
arterial disease (PAD). Blockages cause pain in the calf and thigh muscles with
walking and may cause sores that do not heal. To help ease the symptoms of poor
circulation, avoid smoking, control medical problems such as elevated
cholesterol and high blood pressure, and develop an exercise program.
Non-surgical options, including medications and balloon angioplasty, have
recently become available to treat poor circulation. When the condition is
severe, surgery may be necessary. For more information, talk to your physician
and ask him or her to recommend an experienced vascular surgeon.
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Q: Stroke runs in my family.
What are the risk factors?
A: The best way to prevent a stroke is to reduce your stroke risk
factors and take a daily aspirin. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and
elevated cholesterol are the most important risk factors for stroke. Symptoms
of a stroke may include temporary blindness in one eye or weakness/numbness in
your arm or leg. If you experience these symptoms, get medical attention
immediately. Your physician may recommend an ultrasound of the carotid arteries
to look for blockages that can lead to a stroke.
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Q: What is abdominal aortic
aneurysm (AAA)? Can it be treated without major surgery?
A: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal enlargement of the
main artery in the abdomen (belly). Known risk factors include: being age 55 or
older, high blood pressure, smoking, and a family history of AAA. People with
AAA often have no symptoms until a rupture occurs. Your doctor may feel a
throbbing mass in your abdomen and order an ultrasound. Successful, minimally
invasive treatment involves sealing the aneurysm with a special tube called a
stent graft. If you are diagnosed with an AAA, ask your doctor to recommend an
experienced vascular surgeon to discuss treatment options. Learn more about
a new treatment procedure for AAA.
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Q: I am in my 50s and have
type II diabetes. My father had an amputation from complications of diabetes.
What can I do to prevent this?
A: People with diabetes are at significantly increased risk for
amputation. This is because many people with diabetes have artery disease that
reduces blood flow to the feet and nerve damage that reduces sensation. Both
problems may cause ulcers and infections that could lead to an amputation if
untreated. Smoking worsens the blood supply and makes a bad situation worse. If
you smoke, please stop immediately. Also, ask you doctor about proper footwear
and seek medical attention any time you notice a callus or wound on your feet.
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Q: My varicose veins are
painful and I am embarrassed to show my legs in public. What can be done?
A: Varicose veins can be painful, especially at the end of the day.
Compression stockings, exercise, weight loss, elevation, and salt restriction
can reduce venous congestion and improve swelling and discomfort. When symptoms
persist, new non-surgical procedures can permanently shrink the enlarged veins
and reduce pain. Treatment involves the placement of a special catheter (laser
or high-frequency ultrasound) into the enlarged veins. For more information,
ask your doctor to recommend an experienced vascular surgeon who can discuss
treatment options. You can also visit The Vein Center at Savannah Vascular
Institute at healthyvein.com.
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At Memorial Health University Physicians -- Savannah Vascular Institute, we
welcome your questions. Contact us at 912-350-VEIN (8346) or 1-866-359-VEIN
(8346). Or, send us an e-mail at veininfo@memorialhealth.com.
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