It is estimated that up to 25% of people aged over 55 have significant arterial occlusive disease. Arterial disease is in the majority of cases caused by a process known as “atherosclerosis”. This is the same disease process that causes heart attacks and strokes. This disease causes narrowing and blockage of arteries, thus limiting blood supply.
A number of risk factors have been conclusively identified that increase a person’s chances of developing arterial disease. The 4 major risk factors that can be modified/treated are Smoking, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes alone significantly increases the risk and severity of atherosclerosis. Other causes that we cannot change include family history (genetics), increasing age and being male.
Peripheral Arterial Disease can cause a number of problems. Initially people tend to suffer pain when walking, generally a cramping sensation in the calf or thigh that occurs when walking a certain distance. This is called Claudication.
As the arterial blockages progress, pain at night and even skin ulcers and gangrene in the worst situation can occur. This requires urgent treatment or amputation can be the only option.
Thankfully, there are many treatment options including medication, minimally-invasive (“key-hole”) balloon angioplasty and stenting, and sometimes bypass surgery may be required.
Brisbane City – Main Office
Suite 3, Level 1, ‘Alexandra’
201 Wickham Terrace
Spring Hill. QLD. 4001
Wishart Office – MyLocalDoc
Civic Fair Shopping Centre
280 Newnham Road
Wishart. QLD. 4122
Hervey Bay Office
Consulting Suites – Sara Stella Medical Centre
St. Stephen’s Hospital
1 Medical Place
Urraween. QLD. 4655
Cleveland Office
Suite 22, Cleveland House Specialist Centre
Cnr Bloomfield & Queen Streets
Cleveland. QLD. 4163
Can we help you arrange a convenient appointment to see Dr. Hansen?
You can choose to see Dr.Hansen in our main Brisbane office on Wickham Terrace or at our Hervey Bay, Cleveland or Wishart offices.