Varicose veins are unsightly and often uncomfortable twisted and bulging veins, normally found in the legs. There are a number of risk factors for varicose veins including excess weight, heredity and, the topic of this blog – pregnancy. Varicose veins are typically harmless during pregnancy but should be evaluated by a vein specialist to ensure there are no serious underlying issues.
Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD is a vascular disease caused by the narrowing of arteries in the extremities of the body including legs, arms and even the head. Most cases of PAD are caused by aging, excess weight and obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and/or smoking. All of these factors can increase the chance of atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, and have adverse effects on circulation. The primary symptom of PAD is pain in the extremities along with weakness, pale skin and even open wounds. Most patients that experience PAD are over the age of 70, although it can also occur in younger patients with significant risk factors for atherosclerosis.