Peripheral Artery Disease

     

Three Circulation Secrets for Baby Boomers and Seniors

By Larry Smith

Poor Circulation is a common problem amongst baby boomers and seniors alike.
Poor leg circulation may result in restricted blood flow to the legs and is known as Peripheral Vascular Disease. (PVD)

PVD occurs in the blood vessels that are located outside of the heart. It may occur in peripheral arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart) or peripheral veins (blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart).

Obstruction or blockage of the arteries is known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
A fatty substance called plaque builds up and hardens on the walls of the peripheral arteries and makes it difficult for blood to flow properly. It is the obstruction of the blood flow that causes poor circulation. Plaque build up occurs over many years and this is why baby boomers and seniors are more at risk for poor circulation.

Symptoms of Poor Circulation:

• Cramping or fatigue in the legs, buttocks or feet during activity. It will usually go a way with rest, but will come back as soon as you resume your activity.

• Cramping or pain in your legs while sitting for long periods of time (e.g. driving for long distances)

• Legs and/or feet "fall asleep" while sitting or sleeping.

• Tired, aching feet, or swelling of the feet and legs.

• Lower temperature in the legs and feet as compared with the rest of the body. (This can also apply to the arms and hands)

Traditional Medical Care:

• A prescription for Vasodilators:

• A prescription for Blood Viscosity Reducing Drugs

• Sclerotherapy:

• Angioplasty and Stents:

• Surgery:

These traditional treatments may be effective and necessary. However, there are several natural, safe and effective herbs you may wish to consider as well. Three commonly prescribed treatments that natural health practitioners utilize are:

1. Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba has shown promise in several medical studies to increase circulation of the arms, legs and feet by thinning the blood and reducing clotting. The blood can then flow freely through the circulatory system to keep the extremities warm.

The American Family Physician (September, 2003) reported a systematic review of eight randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies and concluded that ginkgo had modest effects on improving the symptoms of dementia and cerebral insufficiency equivalent to pharmacologic therapy with ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine).

Another indication for ginkgo is for treating intermittent claudication from peripheral vascular disease. Two placebo-controlled trials, with a total of 190 patients, showed improved walking distance and decreased pain in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

2. Cayenne

Many herbalists believe that Cayenne is the most useful and valuable herb in the herb kingdom. It is useful not only for the entire digestive system, but also for the heart and circulatory system. Cayenne Pepper is a stimulant and is known for improving circulation and purifying the blood. It is anti bacterial, promotes healing and prevents infection.
It acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other herbs when used in combination. Cayenne is a medicinal and nutritional herb and is an excellent source of vitamin A, the complete vitamin B complex and vitamin C. It is also known to be a very rich source of organic calcium and potassium.

3. Hawthorn

Hawthorne berries have been used since the middle Ages to support the heart and normalize cardiovascular functions. Today, hawthorn berries are one of the most valuable medicinal herbs used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and circulatory disorders.
European studies have shown that this botanical increases blood flow to the heart and brain, protects the heart from irregular beats, enhances the strength of the heart's contractions, and mildly lowers blood pressure. Compounds in hawthorn can help protect the heart against oxygen deprivation, a condition that often leads to angina, a disease marked by intense chest pain.
Hawthorn is rich in bioflavonoids, which relax and dilate the arteries. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that help increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. This reduces the work required by the heart to circulate blood, and in-turn reduces blood pressure and stress to the heart muscle. The bioflavonoid substances give strength to the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow to other areas of the body. Components in hawthorn have also been shown to lower cholesterol, and the amount of plaque in arteries.

If you have any symptoms of poor circulation, you should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately. Although traditional medical care may be indicated, why not consider natural treatment as a safe and effective alternative?

Dr. Larry Smith Chiropractor and co-author of: Inside the Minds: The Art and Science of Sports Medicine.

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Publications about peripheral artery disease

Vitamin D may protect against peripheral artery disease.(IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)(Clinical report)

Life Extension on Aug 01, 2008

...with an increased risk of peripheral artery disease, according to a recent...Examination Survey (NHANES). (1) Peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries in...with a lower prevalence of peripheral artery disease. Participants with the... Read more >>

Prevalence of peripheral artery disease rising in United States.(Cardiovascular Medicine)(Survey)

Internal Medicine News on Feb 01, 2008

ORLANDO -- The prevalence of peripheral artery disease in asymptomatic adults...1999-2004. The spike in peripheral artery disease (PAD) was especially dramatic...Prevalence of Asymptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease 1999-2000 2003-2004 Women... Read more >>

Reducing iron stores lowers cancer risk in PAD.(Hematology)(peripheral artery disease )

Internal Medicine News on Feb 01, 2008

ATLANTA -- Patients with peripheral artery disease who were randomized to an iron reduction program...Veterans Affairs, included 1,277 patients with peripheral artery disease who had no history of malignancy. Iron reduction... Read more >>

Screen asymptomatic patients for PAD.(GUEST EDITORIAL)(peripheral artery disease)(Clinical report)

Internal Medicine News on Aug 01, 2008

...patients for peripheral artery disease (PAD). In the...the San Diego Artery Study, which...lesions in the peripheral arterial tree...intensity of peripheral claudication...cardiovascular disease and started on... Read more >>

Peripheral artery disease is treatable

Sun-Journal Lewiston, Me. on Oct 13, 2008

...You wrote about peripheral artery disease, and the symptoms...No.1 symptom of peripheral artery disease. It's leg pain...the obstructed artery segment - is one...The booklet on peripheral vascular disease describes this... Read more >>

News about peripheral artery disease

Screening for peripheral vascular disease could save your life

Published on Nov 28, 2008 by KLTV 7 Tyler

Symptoms include temporary blindness or a tingly, cool feeling in the legs - and if you have those, they might not just be old age. Something much more serious, called peripheral vascular disease, could be the cause. If it's not caught early, it can cause serious injuries like loss of a limb, or even death. KLTV 7's Danielle Capper explains who is most at risk, and what you need to know before ... Read more >>

Questions about peripheral artery disease

What is Peripheral Artery Disease symptoms?

Winnie Asked: I have pain in my left leg @ times when walking only, if I take a muscle relaxer I do not have this pain but could it be associated with peripheral artery disease if not would it be characterized as a strained or pulled muscle or ligament?only one leg ever hurt and it did not start hurting until I had my leg stretched during exercise