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Walker Heart Institute offers: • The largest team of cardiovascular experts in Northwest Arkansas with nine cardiologists including two electrophysiologists, four cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons and approximately 325 cardiovascular-health professionals • 76-bed cardiology unit • Northwest Arkansas' only electrophysiology program offers treatments including WATCHMAN™, cardiac ablation, pacemakers and defibrillators • Minimally-invasive procedures including TAVR, Impella®, OCT for heart catheterizations, aneurysm repairs, carotid artery stenting and robotic lung procedures • Open and complex surgical procedures including coronary bypass, valve replacements, peripheral vascular procedures and lung surgery • Specialized clinics including heart failure, lipid, heart valve, vein, cardiac rhythm management and Coumadin® clinic • Clinic locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, Siloam Springs, Gentry, Bentonville, Harrison, Eureka Springs and Berryville • In person, telephone, and telemedicine visits with 24/7 on call specialists for established patients For more information about Walker Heart Institute services and locations throughout Northwest Arkansas, visit www.wregional.com/heart. Walker Heart institute: Complete cardiovascular care Washington Regional's Walker Heart Institute provides comprehensive heart and vascular care If a brisk walk or a quick climb up the stairs is causing frequent leg pain or cramping, you might want to consider reasons beyond simple exertion. These cramps, or claudications, may be from peripheral artery disease, which affects millions of Americans. Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is due to fatty cholesterol deposits that build up in the arteries. This buildup, known as atherosclerosis, blocks normal blood flow to the legs and prevents oxygen-carrying blood from reaching muscles and other tissues. "Peripheral artery disease is common and may have very serious consequences," says Shaun Senter, MD, a cardiologist at Washington Regional's Walker Heart Institute Cardiovascular Clinic. "Severe, untreated cases of PAD can lead to disability, wounds that don't heal and limb amputation. People with PAD are also at much greater risk of other vascular issues, including blood clots in the legs, heart attack and stroke." Dr. Senter says individuals with risk factors for PAD are often: • Age 65 years and older • Age 50 to 64 who smoke or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of PAD • Younger than 50 years old and have diabetes • Already have atherosclerosis in another part of the body Discomfort in the buttocks, thighs, or calves when walking, climbing stairs or exercising is the most common symptom of PAD, according to Dr. Senter. "This pain is a warning sign due to blockages preventing enough oxygen-rich blood from reaching the muscles. The pain usually goes away with rest, so many people dismiss the pain and PAD goes undiagnosed." Other symptoms of PAD include: • Leg pain that does not go away, even when stopping exercise • Foot or toe wounds that won't heal or heal very slowly • Gangrene, or dead tissue • A marked decrease in the temperature of your lower leg or foot, particularly compared to the other leg or to the rest of your body • Poor nail growth on the toes or poor hair growth on the legs • Erectile dysfunction, especially in men with diabetes The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend that patients with PAD avoid exposure to all tobacco – including second-hand smoke – and participate in a structured exercise program. Individuals with PAD should also receive medical therapy, including aspirin to improve blood flow and statins to lower cholesterol. If medication and structured exercise fails to eliminate symptoms, or wounds or gangrene develop, procedures such as angioplasty and even stents to restore blood flow to the legs may be appropriate. These procedures are mostly done percutaneously without incisions, much like coronary angioplasty and stents in the heart. "In addition to restoring the patient's ability to walk without pain, the goal of treatment is to prevent other cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. A comprehensive care plan should be developed with your cardiologist," advises Dr. Senter. "Early diagnosis and treatment can slow or stop the progression of PAD to improve quality of life through symptom relief, and reduce the risk of other serious complications," adds Dr. Senter. "It's important not to ignore any of these symptoms or risk factors for PAD, and seek medical evaluation." Is peripheral artery disease causing your Guidelines offer treatment plan leg pain? SPOnSOr COnTenT Sunday, January 31, 2021 | February - HaPPy HearT nWadg.COm/yOuaTyOurbeST | yOu aT yOur beST | 9

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