Get familiar with heart-healthy eating basics The following diet guidelines from the American Heart Association can help you lower blood pressure and cholesterol, control your weight, and reduce your risk for diabetes—all of which are risk factors for PAD. Limit unhealthy fats and sodium Avoid sugary and processed foods Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables Choose whole grains Choose low-fat protein sources, like skinless chicken and fish Choose skim…

With peripheral artery disease (PAD),your leg pain can limit your ability to walk and decrease your quality of life. It may be difficult to go grocery shopping or walk from a parking lot. Why be in a walking program? You may be thinking, “If I can’t walk from my car to the shopping mall without leg pain, how could I be in a walking program?” Research indicates that most people,…

Hardening of the Arteries Is a Red Flag for Vascular Disease, Including Heart Attack and Stroke Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is a very common condition affecting 20 percent of Americans age 65 and older. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) develops most commonly as a result of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which occurs when cholesterol and scar tissue build up, forming a substance…

When searching for Varicose Veins treatment you should first speak with a Vascular Specialist and not just a “Vein Center”. A Vascular Specialist is able to treat not only the cosmetic appearance like the “Vein Centers”, but also any other underlying issues such as Venous Insufficiency or Peripheral Arterial Disease. If you decide to see a “Vein Center” first and they discover there is vein or artery disease, the center…

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that most commonly occurs on the bottom of the foot in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States, and approximately 14 to 24 percent of patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer have an amputation. Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer. People who…

Preserving Limbs Is Our Priority Have you been told that you are at risk for limb amputation? You have options — and the Coastal Vascular Specialists Amputation Prevention Center in Clearwater Florida is here to help.  Facts About Amputation 90% of all amputations are lower extremity 77% Males 3 million amputees in United States, estimated #1 cause – vascular 50% of vascular amputations are caused by Diabetes 80% of diabetic…

Good diabetes management and regular foot care help prevent severe foot sores that are difficult to treat and may require amputation. Controlling Your Diabetes Diabetes complications include nerve damage and poor blood circulation. These problems make the feet vulnerable to skin sores (ulcers) that can worsen quickly and are difficult to treat. Proper diabetes management and careful foot care can help prevent foot ulcers. When foot ulcers do develop, it’s…

There are many good reasons not to skip breakfast. Blood glucose control is one of them. Breakfast, the most commonly skipped meal, has many health benefits. Those who regularly eat a healthy breakfast enjoy brain-boosting powers, heart health, improved skin, enhanced immune system, stabilized energy levels, reduced risk of eating disorders, weight control, reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, and longevity. According to a new study published in “Diabetes Care” on…