In June we celebrate fathers and the special male figures in our lives. Since June is Men’s Health Month, one of the best ways to show your love and appreciation is to check in with them about their well-being, both physical and mental.
According to research from the CDC, men are less likely than women to schedule an annual physical or seek medical help if needed.
As a result, men may not pay attention to or take action on what could be serious health issues, especially those that may have more subtle or silent symptoms, like aortic aneurysms and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Aortic aneurysms and PAD are two common vascular conditions that are more likely to occur in men and that we treat frequently here at CTVS.
What is an aortic aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the aorta (the body’s largest artery carrying blood to the heart) that occurs in the abdomen. If the aneurysm bursts it can be life-threatening.
The aneurysm can develop slowly over time and therefore symptoms may be subtle, such as lower back or abdominal pain, and go unnoticed.
It typically results from risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, and obesity. If you have certain risk factors, an AAA can be diagnosed through preventative screening.
Smaller abdominal aortic aneurysms require regular monitoring to make sure they don’t grow larger. For a larger aneurysm, surgery may be required to repair or remove it. This can be done via an open procedure or a minimally-invasive endovascular procedure. In both techniques, a graft is inserted in to either replace the diseased portion of the aorta entirely or alleviate pressure on the weakening and bulging wall of the aorta, preventing rupture.
What is PAD?
PAD is a circulatory condition characterized by narrowed blood vessels and restricted blood flow to the lower extremities (legs and feet). It is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries due to risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, or kidney disease.
If left untreated, the poor circulation can lead to chronic aches and pains in the feet and legs, non-healing ulcers or sores and even the potential for tissue damage which could result in amputation in extreme cases.
Symptoms of PAD can be pain or cramping in the legs and feet when walking or sores that do not heal.
Treatment for PAD may include medical therapy, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical revascularization to restore blood flow to the extremities to promote healing and prevent tissue damage.
At CTVS, our vascular surgeons treat both aortic aneurysms and PAD regularly and suggest you seek medical attention when you notice unexplained pain in your abdomen, feet or legs, or open sores that are slow to heal.
Prevention Tips for Men and Cardiovascular Disease
Healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in preventing many cardiovascular conditions, including:
- A well-balanced diet loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
- Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes five times a week for average adults
- Quitting smoking
- Scheduling annual physicals and staying on top of preventative screenings and appointments with other healthcare specialists
For questions about our vascular, cardiac, or thoracic services, please visit ctvstexas.com or call us at (512) 459-8753 to schedule an appointment.
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