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Take
Charge of Your Health
One
of the warning signs for heart attack and stroke is peripheral
arterial disease (PAD). PAD means decreased blood flow to your
feet and legs due to build up of cholesterol and plaque. The classic
symptom of PAD is crampy leg pain while walking, which is relieved
by rest. The pain is due to an inadequate supply of blood and
oxygen. In severe cases, blood-starved tissues may actually begin
to die. PAD is associated with an increased risk of heart attack
and stroke. Complications of PAD include skin ulcers, serious
infections, gangrene, and the loss of a limb.
Fortunately,
you can take steps to reduce your chances of these things happening.
You can begin to take charge of your health by making some important
changes.
Here's what you'll need to do:
- Know
your risk factors
- Decide
what you're willing to change
- Feel
good about one change before making another
- Make
your health a priority in terms of your time and energy
- Consider
your doctor a partner in your good health campaign
Every
health choice counts. Take it
step by step, and you can protect your
arteries from further blockage.
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