Hypertension
Managing high blood pressure with medications as prescribed by your regular doctor or cardiologist (heart specialist) has been shown to decrease the incidence of vascular disease and complications caused by it. The current recommendations for blood pressure is that it is less than 130/80. This is considerably lower than what “healthy” levels were felt to be only a few years ago. However, recent studies have shown that blood pressure at higher levels increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems. One of the best types of drugs for people with vascular disease are “beta-blockers”. If you are not already on one of those types of medications, ask your doctor how it might help you.

High Cholesterol
Cholesterol levels today measure not only your “bad” cholesterol- LDL but also your “good” cholesterol. Each of these independently as well as the ration between them has been determined to be very important in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Aggressive treatment of cholesterol with drugs such as “statins” to lower bad cholesterol and niacin to raise good cholesterol has been found to be effective in combating these problems. Eating a low-fat, high fiber diet can also keep plaque from building up in arteries. Try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Eat more whole-grain products, like oatmeal. Limit fatty and fried foods in your diet. Try alternatives like fat-free milk and frozen yogurt and skinless chicken breast to help control your cholesterol. Activity can also be useful.

Cigarette Smoking
Tobacco use is one of the main causes of vascular and cardiac disease. Any cigarette,cigar, or pipe smoking is harmful. It is necessary to quit smoking completely to help make your arteries healthier. In addition, this will help prevent vascular disease from coming back and help treatments you may need be more successful. Quitting smoking also can lower your blood pressure, not to mention decrease your risk of other diseases such as lung and bladder cancer. We can help you quit smoking and can direct you to support groups or prescribe medications or aids that will make this difficult step a little easier. This is really the single best thing you can do for your overall health.

Diabetes
Managing your diabetes is a difficult task but very important not only in reducing your risk of stroke, but of need for amputation and dialysis. Diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure in the United States. It is also the number one reason for leg amputation and gangrene in America. Managing your glucose level and maintaing a healthy weight are critical in maintaining your function.

Managing your weight and including physical activity in your daily routine can also help. Just a few 10-minute walks a day can help reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, it is often the treatment prescribed for the treatment of leg pain caused by peripheral vascular disease (intermittent claudicaiton). You do not need to join a gym or get a personal trainer. Simple things like walking instead of driving a few blocks, taking bike rides,or going for a swim can all greatly help.