Archives for BRVSC

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the lower part of the abdominal aorta becomes swollen and enlarged. In many cases, AAA will display no symptoms, making it a potentially dangerous condition if left untreated. The abdominal aorta is the largest artery, and it supplies oxygen-rich blood to the lower part of the body. If a weak area of the abdominal aorta expands or bulges, it can burst, causing severe internal bleeding and even death. Immediate medical attention is crucial during this time. The large or faster-growing aneurysms have a higher risk of rupture, which can lead to internal bleeding
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STROKE: ABOUT, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT

Stroke is the number 5 cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the Unites States. OVERVIEW A stroke occurs when the blood supply that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is interrupted or reduced. When this happens, brain cells begin to die in minutes. Therefore, a stroke is a medical emergency, and rapid treatment is critical. Acting early can reduce brain damage and medical complications. WARNING SIGNS The most common sign of stroke is sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, one side of the body, arm, or leg. Other
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What To Know About COVID-19

COVID-19, Coronavirus disease, is a highly contagious virus that is spreading and infecting people worldwide. Symptoms: The most common symptoms of this virus includes, but is not limited to: Fever Cough (dry) Tiredness Difficulty breathing Important note: a person may be asymptomatic (does not show symptoms) for fourteen days. Therefore, someone may not know they are infected for two whole weeks. Being asymptomatic does not mean he/she will not infect other people; that person can still spread the virus without even knowing it. Staying at home: Staying at home will serve for your own protection against infection, and it will
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Carotid Artery Disease

What is Carotid Artery Disease? Carotid artery disease is a disease in which fatty deposits, called plaque, builds up inside your carotid arteries, which are the arteries that deliver blood to your head and brain. Carotid artery disease is serious because the blockage caused in these arteries increases your risks of having a stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, seriously reduced, or interrupted. Strokes deprive your brain of oxygen, which within minutes, your brain cells start to die. Strokes can impair the parts of the body that brain cells control. Therefore, strokes
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Learn about Peripheral Artery Disease!

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a very common disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your organs, head, and limbs. This plaque causes narrowing of the peripheral arteries, which can cause a variety of symptoms and or further health complications. PAD most commonly affects arties in the legs. However, this disease can also affect arteries that carry blood to your arms, stomach, head, and arms. Signs and symptoms: The most common symptoms of PAD include: aching, heaviness, cramping, or pain in the leg muscles when walking or climbing stairs. These symptoms can go away
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Average Carotid Artery Surgery Recovery Time

If you are scheduled to undergo carotid artery surgery, it is likely being performed to clear a blockage that’s causing the artery to narrow. Once cleared, proper blood flow to your brain is restored. The surgery lasts a few hours, but after that, what can you expect in terms of recovery time? At Baton Rouge Vascular Specialty Center, we perform surgeries based on your unique treatment plan, then map your recovery according to your individual goals, health and lifestyle. However, there are some general timelines for carotid artery surgery recovery we can share. Average carotid artery recovery time After surgery, most
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms Before Rupture

The body’s main supplier of blood, the aorta, runs from your heart through the center of your chest and abdomen. It’s about the thickness of a garden hose. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area — often the result of a blood clot — in the lower part of the aorta. Should it rupture, an abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding.  How can you recognize abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms? These aneurysms can be difficult to detect, because they can grow slowly and without symptoms. Some aneurysms will never rupture. Many start small and even after expanding over time,
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Diagnosing Vascular Conditions

Vascular disease treatments are more effective when the root cause is diagnosed. The diagnosis of vascular conditions often requires a series of tests to determine the nature and extent of the problem. The doctors at Baton Rouge Vascular Specialty Center can help identify underlying issues, as well as the severity of your condition. Common vascular conditions Peripheral artery disease (PAD) PAD is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce the flow of blood to your extremities. Carotid occlusive disease This disease causes a narrowing of the blood vessels in the neck. These blood vessels are responsible for carrying
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Heart-Healthy Foods You Should Be Eating

Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body, so it’s important to treat it right. Hectic weekday routines can leave you reaching for frozen, take-out or drive-thru options, but these may leave you short on nutritional value. Instead, fill your fridge with lean cuts of skinless meat, fish, beans and a colorful selection of fruits and vegetables. These options will help you get the nutrition you need to take care of your heart, veins and body. The 10 best foods for heart health Add these foods into your diet for great taste and better health. Oats
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Understanding Atherectomy and Carotid Endarterectomy

The vascular system is the body’s network of blood vessels, which is made up of arteries, veins and capillaries that carry blood to and from the heart. Vascular system problems are common. In fact, millions of Americans are diagnosed with vascular disease each year. Two of the most serious vascular diseases are atherosclerosis and carotid artery disease — both of which are caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Atherosclerosis facts Atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries, occurs when plaque buildup causes arteries to narrow, weaken and become less flexible. Eventually, the amount of blood and oxygen delivered to
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