Here’s How to Help Prevent Peripheral Arterial Disease Wear a gown

Experts say the disease is a huge problem in the Hispanic community in South Texas.

SAN ANTONIO – Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic history and culture. This month is the perfect time to focus on the health of Hispanics, so life can be extended.

This is also National Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month. Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, is a blockage in the arteries that reduces blood flow to the arms and legs and is a huge problem in South Texas, especially among Hispanics.

PhD. Milad Mohammadi, a vascular surgeon with the Peripheral Vascular Society of the Baptist Health Care System, told us, “We have about twice as much diabetes as the rest of the country. Diabetes hardens the arteries and causes blockages in the arteries and can cause other problems. , which can lead to pain, amputation, pain walking and other problems.”

Some risk factors for PAD include smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and a family history of the disease. PhD. Mohammadi added: “If a patient’s family members have had arterial open surgery, whether in their heart, legs, or carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain, they have a higher chance of developing peripheral arterial disease.”

But there are ways to prevent it with screening.

PhD. Mohammad said: “It’s assessed first with a physical exam and then with these simple, painless studies like these ultrasound studies and blood pressure cuff studies to be able to assess peripheral arterial disease. We start with these screening studies to see if there is a Are there any serious blockages.”

Hispanics are more likely to develop PAD, heart disease and diabetes due to poor diet and lifestyle. However, amputations can be avoided by talking with your doctor and understanding your overall health.

PhD. Mohammadi told us, “PAD screening and surveillance will help save limbs and lives in PVA with our colleagues at Baptist Health System, and our goal is to raise awareness and education in the South Texas community.”

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