NEW YORK, Sep 17 (Reuters Health) -- Leg cramps while walking, numbness, tingling, and leg weakness are not just signs of old age -- these are symptoms of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), where the leg arteries are clogged, affecting blood flow to leg muscles. Left untreated, in the most extreme cases, PVD can result in gangrene, a serious condition that requires surgical amputation of the affected toes, foot, or leg.
In order to diagnose PVD early, the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology has organized the "Legs for Life" program this month, featuring free screening across the country to promote awareness of PVD especially among the individuals at greatest risk -- those over 50 years old with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
PVD is also associated with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. A person with PVD and heart disease "has a six times greater chance of dying of a heart attack than a person with just heart disease," said Dr. Rod Raabe, co-chair of the "Legs For Life" Task Force, in an interview with Reuters Health.
According to Raabe, "Legs For Life is designed to catch peripheral vascular disease early, when it is very treatable."
More than 8 million Americans are affected by PVD, but many ignore or dismiss their symptoms -- leg pain while walking, a burning sensation in feet while resting, skin discoloration -- as normal signs of aging, and neglect to seek treatment. "The majority of people will say, I'm just getting older and I'm out of shape and if I exercise more I'd probably be able to walk farther," said Raabe. He added, "the number two (supposed belief for leg pain) is arthritis."
PVD can be controlled if the symptoms are recognized but, Raabe pointed out, "when people have these symptoms, less than half of them will complain to their doctor." If detected early, exercise programs -- walking, bicycling, swimming -- can improve leg circulation. Diagnosed later, PVD can be treated with surgery.
