Frequently Asked Questions
Excerpted from recent VDF's Live "Ask the Doctor" Chat with Drs. Heather Gornik and Kerry Stewart

Question: After starting anticoagulant drug treatments, under what circumstances does the body naturally break down a blood clot And how soon would you expect to see symptoms reduced or eliminated?
Answer: In the setting of a blood clot, the most important job of blood thinners, such as heparin and coumadin, is to prevent new clots from forming on top of the existing clot. Over time, the body's own clot- busting system will break down clots, but it is not uncommon to see some evidence of residual clot even months or years after the initial blood clot. In general, more extensive clots will require a longer time to resolve. There are some medications available which can dissolve clots more quickly. These are known as thrombolytic agents or "clot busters" and are given in special circumstances when the burden of clot is very high and the symptoms are very severe. There are also mechanical devices that are used in some cases to remove or break apart a clot.

Question: I am experiencing pain in my toes and take medicine for gout. This may be pain either from gout or from decreasing circulation. How can I know which it is and what can I do about it?
Answer: Sometimes pain due to abnormal circulation can mimic or be confused with pain due to other causes. A doctor's physical examination and a simple test called the ankle-brachial index (ABI) are important to rule out a circulation problem, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Ask your doctor if your foot pain could be due to PAD rather than gout, and if you should be tested.

Question: I have problems with my feet and it makes it hard to walk. What other exercise can I do to help my PAD?
Answer: Walking remains the preferred mode of exercise for PAD. However, if you cannot walk, try cycling or swimming.

Question: What is the difference between PVD and PAD?
Answer: The term PVD stands for "peripheral vascular disease." It is a general term which includes diseases of both the arteries and the veins. PAD, or "peripheral arterial disease," is more specific and refers to those problems affecting only the arteries.