The Cigarroa Clinic now screening for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Smokers are at high risk for circulatory problems of the legs.

As we age, it’s common to begin feeling some aches and pains—they’re growing pains and many times only require monitoring by your physician. However, there are some leg pains and even cramping that can be a sign of something bigger and more dangerous called Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). PVD is a systemic disorder that involves the narrowing of peripheral blood vessels located away from the heart or brain that occur because of arteriosclerosis, a buildup of plaque, that can occur in either veins or arteries (Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD).

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR.

One of the biggest red flags of PVD is leg pain, cramping and discomfort. Smokers are also at high risk for circulatory problems of the legs. If you are experiencing any of these, it could be plaque buildup in either the veins or arteries which can lead to dangerous blood clots, and even limit the amount of oxygen that circulates to the arms and legs. Other symptoms include:

• Change in color or temperature of a limb
• Pain in the legs when walking or at rest
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• A new, long-lasting sore in the foot or leg
• Thickened, opaque toenails

RISK FACTORS.

If you’re a smoker, and are experiencing some of the other mentioned symptoms, PVD could be suspected. Other common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and Type 2 Diabetes. Men over the age of 50 and women who are postmenopausal are also more likely to develop PVD. If the person is overweight and lives a sedentary life, the chances also increase.

GET SCREENED TODAY.

In recognizing the severity of PVD, especially among populations living in border areas, the Cigarroa Clinic provides screenings. Interventional Cardiologists Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa and Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa II, are experts in the field of PVD and PAD and encourage you to call the Clinic to schedule your screening today. Along with checking your pulse, blood flow and pressure in the legs and feet, they’ll examine your hair, nails and skin for irregularities that may suggest PVD or PAD, including color changes and wounds that won’t heal.

IF LEFT UNTREATED.

The good news is that Peripheral Vascular Disease can be reversed when treated. If left untreated however, severe PVD and PAD can lead to worsening conditions, including dead tissue, gangrene, and even possible amputation of a limb.

CALL FOR YOUR SCREENING APPOINTMENT TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

For more information on cardiovascular disease or for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), call the Cigarroa Clinic for a same-day appointments at (956) 725-1228. You can also follow the Cigarroa Clinic on FB and Instagram or visit their website at www.cigarroaclinic.com.

The Cigarroa Clinic is located on the 5th floor of Tower B at Laredo Medical Center, 1710 E. Saunders. The team of health experts are standing by and ready to care for you and your loved ones.

As always, the minute you feel you may be experiencing a heart attack, call 911 or head to your nearest Emergency Room.