Peripheral artery disease [PAD] is the blockage of arteries in the arms, legs, and carotid arteries in the neck. Peripheral artery disease also includes abdominal aortic aneurysms [also known as an AAA, or “Triple-A”].
It is important to recognize if you suffer from any of these so we can collectively develop an appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, the presence of peripheral artery disease is a marker of coronary artery disease – blockages of the heart arteries – and is associated with a higher risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Carotid Stenosis
Carotid artery disease, or the development of blockages in the arteries of the neck, are extremely important to diagnose in order to prevent a stroke. Patients with high choleresterol [hyperlipidemia] or diabetes mellitus are higher risk of developing carotid stenosis. The most common type of stroke is a caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, usually due to an arterial blockage in the carotid artery of the neck. Cholesterol medication, carotid artery stenting, and carotid endarterectomy are important treatments/therapies/surgeries performed in patient recently diagnosed with an ischemic stroke, or performed in patient’s without symptoms in order to prevent a stroke.
Carotid artery blockages [also called “stenosis”] are easily evaluated in our office with a carotid ultrasound. Similar to the cardiac echocardiogram, an ultrasound machine is used to take pictures of the carotid arteries. The test takes less than thirty [30] minutes total and is covered by most medical insurance plans.
To learn more about Garden State Heart Care or to set up an appointment for a Carotid ultrasound call us at (732) 851-4700 or visit one of our three offices:
Headquarters: 831 Tennent Road Manalapan NJ 07751
Tel: (732) 851 4700
Fax: (732) 851 4703
Jamesburg Office:
333 Forsgate Drive, Suite 205,
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Tel: (732) 851 4700
Fax: (732) 851 4703
Jackson Office: 201 North County Line Road, Jackson NJ 08527
Phone: (732) 994 5544 (Fax) 732 994 5540
Old Bridge Office: 2 hospital Plaza suite 450; Old Bridge NJ 08857
PAD of the Legs/Arms
Blockages of the arteries in the arms can be asymptomatic, cause dizziness/lightheadedness, or even cause cramping in the forearms or hands. Similarly, blockages of the arteries in the legs can be asymptomatic, present as cramping in the calfs, thighs, or buttock, or even present as ulcers in the legs with gangrene.
Blood pressure measurements in the arms and legs – also known as an Ankle-Brachial Index [ABI] – is easily performed in our office and helps identify those patients with PAD. Additional testing such as an arterial ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can then better define those blockages.
Sometimes, an angiogram is required to evaluate for the blockages. Dr VanHise performs these procedures at hospitals throughout Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Burlington counties for the convenience of our patients. Many times, angioplasty and stenting [opening the blockage with balloon and catheters] can be performed thru small IV’s in an effort to minimize symptoms and avoid major vascular surgery.
To learn more about Garden State Heart Care, or to set up an appointment for a vascular consultation or ABI call us at (732) 851-4700 or visit one of our three offices:
Headquarters: 831 Tennent Road, Manalapan NJ 07751
Tel: (732) 851 4700
Fax: (732) 851 4703
Jamesburg Office:
333 Forsgate Drive, Suite 205,
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Tel: (732) 851 4700
Fax: (732) 851 4703
Jackson Office: 201 North County Line Road, Jackson NJ 08527
Phone 732-994-5544 Fax 732-994-5540
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms [AAA]
Abdominal aortic aneurysms result from a weakening in the lining of the adominal aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body which directs blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. As this artery slowly enlarges over time, there is progressively higher risk of internal bleeding or even rupture of the aorta.
Current US Preventative Services Taskforce guidelines support AAA screening with a simple ultrasound performed in our office for:
- Male patients between the ages of 65-75 with any smoking history
- Male patients over 65 with a first-degree relative who also has/had a AAA.
To learn more about Garden State Heart Care, or to set up an appointment for a vascular consultation or AAA Screening ultrasound call us at (732) 851-4700 or visit one of our three offices:
Headquarters: 831 Tennent Road, Manalapan NJ 07751
Tel: (732) 851 4700
Fax: (732) 851 4703
Jamesburg Office:
333 Forsgate Drive, Suite 205
, Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Tel: (732) 851 4700
Fax: (732) 851 4703
Jackson Office: 201 North County Line Road, Jackson NJ 08527
Tel: (732)-994-5544 Fax 732-994-5540
