Healthy blood vessels may not be something you think about very often. But, they are important to your overall well being, with a critical job to perform. Blood vessels feed blood supply to your organs so they can function properly. So, how can you know if or when you need the expertise of a vascular care center? At Lam Vascular & Associates, we love to educate people about the important work we do here to help people with vascular issues get out of pain and live healthier lives.
Top Six Signs That You May Need to See a Vascular Doctor
You have Diabetes
To understand how diabetes affects blood vessels, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what causes diabetes. The body produces a hormone called insulin, which converts the food we eat into glucose or sugar. When you have diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin properly. Over time, high levels of glucose can build up in the bloodstream, causing atherosclerosis – a condition in which narrowing or blockage occurs in the arteries. This leads to reduced levels of blood and oxygen reaching the tissues and organs, causing further harm to the body.
Your legs hurt when you walk
This could be a condition called claudication, one symptom of vascular disease where your legs get sore when you are walking for a brief period of time. It is relieved when you stop or rest. This is a symptom of Peripheral Artery Disease (more on that in #3) so don’t ignore it.
You have been diagnosed with a vascular condition
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease, is a very common medical condition in which a build-up of plaque due to atherosclerosis makes it difficult for blood to circulate through the arteries. PAD primarily affects the legs, but can also damage arteries in the kidneys, abdomen, feet, ankles, pelvis, hips, buttocks and arms.
You’ve been told amputation is your only option
Dr. Russell Lam is credited with preventing thousands of leg amputations. Many of these interventions have been the result of patients who sought a second opinion after being told their conditions are inoperable or not treatable with medical therapies. Our coordinator will help you in gathering the necessary information and medical records before your initial visit. Dr. Lam will review your medical records and details of your condition prior to your appointment, and we will advise you of any additional tests we recommend.
Your legs are swollen, aching and discolored, and develop ulcers or wounds
This could signal varicose veins, which are enlarged blue, red or flesh-colored veins that look like raised, twisted, rope-like cords on the legs. They are much more than a cosmetic issue for some 30 million men and women.
Over time, varicose veins can lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a more serious condition, in which it becomes increasingly harder for the leg veins to pump blood back to the heart. A vascular physician can help on both fronts. The Vein Center at Lam Vascular & Associates is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated entirely to diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of venous conditions.
You experience sudden, severe abdominal and back pain
This could signal an aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in an artery. If it occurs in the abdominal aorta, the large artery that travels from the heart to the chest and abdomen, it can be a serious health hazard. Blood clots can also form as a result of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The clots can block the blood from reaching the muscles, tissues and organs, causing pain and numbness, as well as the potential for permanent tissue damage and limb amputation. Again, a reputable vascular doctor is your best bet for finding the critical help you need here.
Texas’ Trusted Vascular Experts
Dr. Lam and his team of vascular surgeons at Lam Vascular & Associates in Dallas specialize in second-opinion evaluations that have saved thousands of limbs of people who were facing amputation due to vascular issues. Preventing amputation isn’t just about saving your limb – it’s about saving your life.
At Lam Vascular & Associates, we are dedicated to comprehensive and compassionate care focused on personalized solutions. We work with many primary care physicians to help manage the vascular aspects of their patients’ care. Schedule an evaluation with one of our award-winning vascular experts today.
