West Coast Vascular Urges Area Residents to "Get a Leg Up" on Vascular Health
Free screenings for Peripheral Arterial Disease offered during September, P.A.D. Awareness Month.
- Ventura, CA (1888PressRelease) August 30, 2011 - West Coast Vascular, one of Southern California's leading vascular care medical practices, will conduct free screenings for peripheral arterial disease, also known as P.A.D., on September 24th.
PAD, a common and potentially life-threatening disease that affects approximately 1 in 20 Americans over age 50, is the narrowing of arteries in the legs, and is frequently associated with heart attack, stroke, amputation and death. In September, which is P.A.D. Awareness Month, West Coast Vascular is joining forces with the P.A.D. Coalition to educate Ventura county residents about the risk factors, warning signs and consequences of P.A.D.
Craig Ringler, 72, credits West Coast Vascular surgeon Dr. C. Shawn Skillern with saving his left leg. "I began having some pain in my legs and within two weeks, I couldn't walk. I was referred to Dr. Skillern and he then diagnosed me with severe P.A.D."
"Mr. Ringler came to us with severe blockages in his legs and groin area which required urgent treatment," said Dr. Skillern. "He presented classic warning signs for P.A.D.; he smoked for over 41 years, had high cholesterol and experienced leg pain. By doing simple ankle-brachial index and ultrasound exams, we were able to detect those blockages and act quickly to preserve the function of his leg."
P.A.D. occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits or plaque, reducing blood flow to the legs. This can result in leg muscle pain when walking, disability, amputation and poor quality of life. Blocked arteries found in people with P.A.D. can be a red flag that other arteries, including those in the heart and brain, may also be blocked - increasing the risk for heart attack or stroke.
The painless, non-invasive screening test for P.A.D. is called the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares the blood pressure in the legs with blood pressure in the arms.
"Screening for P.A.D. can help save lives and limbs," said Dr. Skillern. "We are encouraging the community to become aware and sign up for our free screening on September 24. If you have a parent or someone you know that falls within the test criteria for P.A.D., inform them about our screening, before it's too late."
"Since my surgeries, I feel a lot better. I'm back to doing everything I want to do. I walk, I bowl, golf and even go horseback riding," said Ringler. "All in moderation of course, I'm 72 years old."
For more information on P.A.D., visit www.padcoalition.org.
About West Coast Vascular
West Coast Vascular provides a full spectrum of treatment options for all aspects of venous disease, from varicose veins to cosmetic restoration and is a technology leader in the treatment of venous and vascular disease. Treatments successfully relieve symptoms such as leg pain, heaviness, fatigue, and swelling, and prevent and heal venous ulcerations.
West Coast Vascular's unique vascular center provides patients with an experience that emphasizes patient comfort and personalized treatment. Their specially trained nurses and assistants monitor their patient's progress and provide quality care throughout treatment. West Coast Vascular tailors the appropriate management of venous disease to each individual patient so that the best possible outcome is achieved. For more information, or to make an appointment, call: (805) 643-3330 or visit the website at www.westcoastvascular.com.
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