Itz Holistically Wholesome

February is Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness for everyone blessed with a heart. In the past, I’ve shared what I know about heart health, so feel free to revisit those posts. Today, in keeping with this month’s focus, I want to share something new I learned from a presentation at my church by a real-life cardiologist, Dr. Phenix Alcicle.

My mindset is simple: as I learn, I must share because knowledge gained and not shared is knowledge wasted.

Dr. Alcicle’s presentation focused on Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition where plaque builds up and narrows the arteries, limiting blood flow to the limbs. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause. According to the Cleveland Clinic, nearly 200 million people worldwide and 12 million adults over 40 in the United States are affected by PAD.

Risk Factors

PAD is more likely to develop in individuals with:

• Smoking history (current or former)
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• A personal or family history of cardiovascular disease

Symptoms

Key symptoms of PAD include:

• Leg pain with activity (claudication)
• Non-healing sores
• Poor nail or hair growth on the legs

Managing PAD

While PAD does not have a cure, it can be managed. Some approaches include:

Lifestyle Changes

• Improving diet
• Increasing physical activity
• Quitting smoking

Medical Management

• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Blood thinners to prevent clots

Procedures (if needed)

In more advanced cases, medical procedures may be required to restore blood flow.

Testing for PAD

If you’re experiencing symptoms, you can ask your doctor about an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test, which measures blood pressure in the legs to assess circulation.

Other diagnostic tools include:

• Doppler and ultrasound (duplex) imaging
• Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

I didn’t know much about this condition before, but now I do, and now you do too. I cannot say this enough: our lifestyle habits play a critical role in our health. An ounce of prevention truly is better than a pound of cure. Start making small, intentional changes today that can positively impact your life tomorrow.

If you want to learn more, here is an article from the Cleveland Clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17357-peripheral-artery-disease-pad

To watch Dr. Alcicle’s presentation, click here.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19cGamNvmV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A Word of Wisdom

Proverbs 3:7–8 reminds us:
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

Be well and be blessed.

With love and purpose,
Tomika Chance
Itz Holistically Wholesome