Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My sister has restless leg syndrome (RLS). Is this related to peripheral arterial disease?
A. No, this is thought to be a neurological problem and not caused by atherosclerosis. The symptoms occur in the legs but are not the same as symptoms for PAD. RLS sensations are deep in the legs and produce an irresistible urge to move and cause an involuntary jerk of the leg. It usually isn't painful but can be described as an itching, pulling or tugging. RLS symptoms are worse in the evening and at night, especially when the individual lies down. For more information contact the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation at www.rls.org.

Q. My mother has had a reoccurrence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after a period of four years. Both times the symptoms have been a little different and she was surprised by them. What symptoms should she have been watching for?
A. DVT happens because there is a formation of an obstructing blood clot in the deep veins. Usually it occurs in the lower leg but can also occur in the lower abdomen or groin. The greatest risk of having a DVT is the possibility of having a pulmonary embolism. This is when a whole blood clot or a piece of the blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream. If this clot lodges in one of the arteries of the lungs, then a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism could take place. To answer your specific question, many individuals with DVT feel swelling, pain or tenderness in the affected area or see an inflamed vein. However, many are unaware of the problem until they develop an embolism. Symptoms of an embolism include rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, sharp chest pain or blood-tinged coughing. Anyone who feels these symptoms should call a health care professional immediately or seek assistance from an emergency center of your closest hospital.

(Editor's Note: VDF plans on having more information on DVT on our web site in the very near future. Check it out at www.vdf.org)

Q. I've been told that my "homocysteine levels" are high. What does that mean?
A. Homocysteine is an amino acid. It is normally found in the body and is used to make protein. It is thought that too much homocysteine thickens and scars the walls of the arteries, allowing cholesterol and plaque to build up and clots to form. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to increased risk for PAD and for damage to blood vessels in the heart and brain. Taking folic acid may help, however, it is important to discuss all options with your health care provider.

If you have a question you would like our panel of experts to address in our next newsletter, please send it to info@vdf.org or The Vascular Disease Foundation, 3333 S. Wadsworth, Suite B-104-37, Lakewood, CO, 80227.