Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do you have any comment on chestnut seed extract as a treatment?
A. No scientific data exist on the health benefits of chestnut seed or of any herbal remedy or supplement, including gingko biloba or flax. As vascular diseases become more "popular," researchers are beginning to look at the impact of various herbal treatments. The only way to know if something really works is to test it in controlled research studies. This is now starting to happen, but the results won't be known for several years. We will then be sure if these various therapies are effective or if they can be explained by a placebo effect. Until then, as a wise consumer, you should read any claims cautiously, select quality companies, and be sure to let your doctor know of any herbal supplements or vitamins you are taking in order to avoid any interference with your other medications.

Q. My 46-year-old brother has had bypass surgery on each leg. The surgeons declared his surgery a success, yet intermittent claudication has returned. How common is continued leg pain after a successful bypass?
A. It is quite common for claudication to persist after surgery, but it should at least be less painful. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) does not predict functional ability to walk, since three people with the same ABI may have very different walking limitations. The recommended care and management are to embark on an exercise rehabilitation program in a supervised setting. Such a program usually involves treadmill walking three times a week. Often these programs are administered by vascular specialists, or at the vascular or cardiac rehab settings usually located in nearby hospitals. A vascular internist or cardiologist should supervise the care.