TAKE CONTROL
IMPROVE YOUR BLOOD FLOW
VASCULAR DISEASE
Vascular disease refers to changes that occur in your blood vessels which prevent
the normal flow of blood. Anyone can experience blood flow problems, or
vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects blood vessels outside
of the heart. In this handout we will talk about two types of PVD, peripheral artery
disease and venous disease, their warning signs, risk factors, and ways to improve
your condition.
Peripheral artery disease is a condition which decreases blood flow to your lower
body causing your muscles to cramp during activity. Although there’s no cure for
peripheral artery disease, lifestyle changes and medical treatment can help you
become more active again and slow the disease process. Once a diagnosis is made,
your doctor may suggest tests to determine the severity of your condition.
Depending on the extent of the disease, your treatment options may include
medical procedures or surgery to increase your blood flow.
WARNING SIGNS
Though silent in its early stages, peripheral artery disease can cause pain, cramp, or
fatigue in the calves, thighs, hips, or buttocks when walking. Rest may relieve the
pain, and this pain cycle is called claudication.
RISK FACTORS
Heredity
Aging (over 45 for males and over 60 for females)
Smoking
Diabetes
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High blood pressure (Hypertension)
High fat and cholesterol diet
Overweight
Stress
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BLOOD FLOW
1. Stop smoking.
Smoking decreases your blood’s ability to carry oxygen and can cause
narrowing of blood vessels. You can help yourself stop smoking by
avoiding situations that trigger your desire to smoke, have a support system
of family and friends, and join your local support group.
(FOR HELP TO STOP SMOKING, “CALL CPR” at 706-774-LUNG)
2. Control your diabetes.
Diabetes is a risk factor that speeds the peripheral artery disease process. To
help control your diabetes, it is very important to follow your doctor’s
instructions regarding your diet and medications.
(QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR DIABETES MELLITUS, CALL OUR
CERTIFIED DIABETES EDUCATORS AT 706-868-3241)
3. Control your diet.
Controlling what you eat will help decrease risk factors such as high-fat diet
and high blood pressure. Lose extra weight if you have problems with
diabetes and high blood pressure.
4. Stay active.
Exercise helps increase your circulation. Walking is a great way to exercise.
Walk at a comfortable speed for 20 to 30 minutes. If at any time you feel
pain, stop and rest for 1 to 2 minutes until the pain is gone.
5. Take preventive measures.
Maintain legs in a neutral or dependent position; avoid crossing legs.
Avoid temperature extremes, heating pads, hot water bottles, heat lamps,
sunburn, frostbite, and ice packs.
Avoid constrictive shoes or clothing, walking barefoot or with open
sandals, cutting and trimming corns and calluses, and adhesive tapes.
Avoid over-the-counter preparations for corn and callous removal.
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Keep feet and legs clean and moisturized; always dry between the toes.
Keep your nails trimmed even with the edges of your toes; file any rough
spots.
Protect your heels from pressure.
See your doctor regularly.
VENOUS DISEASE
Venous disease is a condition in which a vein becomes diseased or starts to
function wrong. There are two types of venous disease: acute or chronic. Acute
venous disease occurs suddenly when a blood clot either partially or completely
blocks a vein. Chronic venous disease occurs when the valves in the veins are
damaged and no longer close tightly. The blood pools in the veins. If the vein is
superficial, the condition is called a varicose vein; if the vein is deep, the condition
is called venous stasis disease.
WARNING SIGNS
Acute venous disease can cause pain or tenderness in the affected leg. Chronic
venous disease can cause aching in the leg while standing which is relieved by
raising the leg. Swelling can also occur.
RISK FACTORS
Heredity
Aging (over 40)
Smoking
Surgery
Injury
Pregnancy
Overweight
Standing for long periods
Varicose veins
Stress
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WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BLOOD FLOW
1. Stop smoking.
Smoking can increase your risk of developing a blood clot.
2. Control your diet.
A well balanced diet is very important. Lose extra weight as extra weight
increases pressure on the leg veins. You may be advised to decrease your
salt intake as this can cause swelling in your legs and feet. You may need to
seek help from your doctor or dietitian if you have diabetes, high blood
pressure, or other chronic disease to determine a dietary plan to meet your
individual needs.
3. Stay active.
Squeezing of the leg muscles helps the blood flow back up to your heart.
Every 30 minutes wiggle your feet and toes and try to walk or swim each
day to improve your overall circulation. When walking, wear your elastic
stockings. Be sure to elevate your legs after each walk.
4. Take preventive measures.
Keep legs elevated higher than the heart.
Don’t sit or stand longer than one hour with your legs down.
Don’t cross your legs.
Put on medical elastic stockings regularly each morning.
Avoid temperature extremes, heating pads, hot water bottles, heat lamps,
sunburn, frostbite, and ice packs.
Avoid constrictive shoes or clothing, walking barefoot or with open
sandals, cutting and trimming corns and calluses, and adhesive tapes.
Don’t use over-the-counter preparations for corn and callous removal.
Keep feet and legs clean and moisturized; always dry between the toes.
Keep your nails trimmed even with the edges of your toes; file any rough
spots.
Protect your heels from pressure.
See your doctor regularly.
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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
1. Any increase in pain or tenderness.
2. Sudden pain in calf.
3. Increase in swelling or notice that medical elastic stockings/dressings are too
tight.
4. For any sore or ulcer on the skin.
5. Any change in color, temperature or sensation in your feet and legs.
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