It is no surprise to us that cardiovascular disease tops the list of killers in the world. Every one of us knows at least one other person in our families that has been affected by a heart condition. In 2013, Stats Canada estimated this second leading cause of death to affect more than 2.4 million Canadians. This number is expected to increase over the next few decades as the effects of sedentary office jobs and unhealthy eating patterns takes its toll.
A Different Form of Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is a broad term that encompasses any disease affecting the heart and its blood vessels. This includes coronary artery disease, strokes, heart attacks, angina, and peripheral vascular disease.
Many of us are aware of the dangers of heart attacks and strokes. We learn the early warning signs and are versed on how to manage the symptoms in case of emergency. However, many of us are less knowledgeable on the topic of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a silent and potentially life-threatening disease that affects much more than just the heart.
PVD Affects More than Just the Heart
PVD affects the blood vessels outside of the heart, such as the legs, arms, fingers and toes. Similarly to other cardiovascular diseases, PVD involves the build up of cholesterol along the walls of artery, a process known as atherosclerosis. This narrows the opening and restricts blood flow through the vessels. While you may think this is less harmful than a heart attack, restricting blood flow to the hands, or the brain, can significantly reduce function. Even if the blockage is to a small degree. Symptoms of developing PVD include:
- painful cramping in legs and hips even after minimal activity such as climbing stairs
- leg numbness and tingling
- coldness of the limbs, or a change in colour of the limbs
- hair loss, shiny skin or slower nail growth on the limbs
- erectile dysfunction
It is important to note that many forms of PVD present with no symptoms. However, anyone with a family history of cardiovascular disease, should undergo a full assessment by the age of 65. This assessment should include a test of all pulses in the arms and legs, blood work for cholesterol and perhaps even diagnostic testing for cardiovascular efficiency (such as a stress test). Many medical doctors are quick to put their patients on cholesterol-lowering medications for preventative purposes, but are not always quick to explain the risks and side effects.
