CHILTON INTRODUCES NEW THERAPY FOR
PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE
Treatment Lowers Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke
M
ost people
recognize the
perils of smoking,
high blood pressure and
high cholesterol. However,
more than eight million
Americans are walking
around with another common condition that is often
less familiar yet equally
hazardous to their health:
peripheral artery disease
(PAD). Caused by plaque
build-up in the legs and
other limbs, PAD clogs the
arteries – and can lead to
life-threatening complications if left untreated.
While there is no cure,
those afflicted can find new hope at Chilton Medical Center.
This year Chilton became one of the first hospitals in New
Jersey to pioneer a promising new therapy for restoring circulation and improving the quality of life for patients with PAD.
Much like coronary artery disease, PAD occurs when fatty
deposits accumulate inside the arteries, resulting in narrowed
passageways or blockages that restrict blood flow. The disease
is most frequently found in the upper legs, where individuals
may experience painful cramping while walking, climbing
stairs, or even at rest in severe cases. Without proper medical
treatment, PAD dramatically increases the risk for amputation,
sudden heart attack and stroke.
According to interventional cardiologist Lawrence Blitz,
MD, of Wayne, many patients can be treated with exerci