The Importance of Early Detection & Screenings
Fredericksburg, VA. (September 23, 2024) – Oracle Heart & Vascular is raising awareness this September for Peripheral Artery Disease. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, often causing pain and mobility issues. Going to your cardiovascular specialist for testing and screening is an important step in early detection.
Oracle Heart & Vascular is dedicated to informing the community about the importance of early detection of Peripheral Artery Disease. The American Heart Association estimates about 8.5 million Americans over the age of 40 are affected by PAD. But with the right tools and knowledge in prevention and therapy, individuals can significantly reduce their risk.
At Oracle Heart & Vascular, they believe prevention is key to lowering your risk of developing PAD, such as:
- Physical activity: Commit to being more active—30+ minutes of exercise a day is great!
- Avoid tobacco use: Not only will quitting smoking reduce your risk of developing PAD, but it also contributes to your overall health.
- Healthy eating: Select foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol—such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
- Manage blood pressure & cholesterol: It is important to get your blood pressure and cholesterol under control, and medication can help.
Recognizing the signs of PAD is crucial. A person may experience mild to severe symptoms or none at all, including: leg pain, numbness or weakness in the leg, discoloration in the foot or toes, and sores or ulcers on the foot. The earlier Oracle Heart & Vascular doctors are able to detect PAD, the better they are able to treat it and improve a patient’s quality of life, help keep their mobility, and reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, leg amputation, and even death.
“Peripheral Artery Disease is a serious condition that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late,” said Dr. Micaela Iantorno, Interventional Cardiologist and Vascular specialist. “At Oracle Heart & Vascular, we believe that early detection through screenings can be significantly impactful in limb salvage and optimal mobility. By raising awareness and encouraging proactive health measures, we hope to empower our community to take control of their vascular health and prevent future complications.”
Oracle Heart & Vascular offers a patient screening questionnaire to help everyone take the first step towards optimal vascular health. To learn more about Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness or to take the questionnaire, please visit https://oracleheartva.com/services/peripheral-artery-disease-awareness/.