Claudication Center - Duluth, MNDuluth Cardiologist Doctors for ClaudicationType of Physician: Cardiologist What is a Cardiologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners are expert in diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. They consult with surgeons on heart surgery, perform diagnostic procedures, and manage complex conditions such as heart attacks and arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat). Specialty: Cardiology Common Name: Heart Doctor Cardiologist Doctors in Duluth * St Mary's Heart Center  Duluth Clinic  Duluth Clinic  Duluth Clinic  Duluth Clinic  Duluth Clinic  Duluth Clinic  Duluth Clinic  Duluth Cardiology Associates  Duluth Cardiology Associates  Duluth Cardiology Associates  Duluth Cardiology Associates Duluth, MinnesotaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-17
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ClaudicationRead the Claudication article » What is claudication?Claudication is pain and/or cramping in the lower leg due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles. The pain usually causes the person to limp. The word "claudication" comes from the Latin "claudicare" meaning to limp. Claudication typically is felt while walking, and subsides with rest. It is commonly referred to as "intermittent" claudication because it comes and goes with exertion and rest. (In severe claudication, the pain is also felt at rest.) Why does claudication come and go?The usually intermittent nature of the pain of claudication is due to a temporary inadequate supply of oxygen to the muscles of the leg. The poor oxygen supply is a result of narrowing of the arteries that supply the leg with blood. This limits the supply of oxygen to the leg muscles and is especially noticeable when the oxygen requirement of these muscles rises with exercise or walking. What can cause the artery narrowing that leads to claudication?Intermittent claudication can be due to temporary artery narrowing due to spasm of the artery (vasospasm), permanent artery narrowing due to atherosclerosis, or the complete blockage of an artery of the leg. Who typically is affected by claudication?Intermittent claudication is more common in men than in women. The condition affects 1%-2% of the population under 60 years of age, increasing in incidence with age, to affect over 5% of persons over 70 years of age. What is the prognosis and treatment for patients with intermittent claudication?The prognosis with intermittent claudication is generally favorable because the condition often stabilizes or improves in time. Conservative treatment is advised initially.
Recommended Reading Related to ClaudicationIntroductionWhile the patient's history and physical examination are the building blocks of making a medical diagnosis, the ability to peer inside the body can be a powerful tool. Ultrasound is an imaging technique that provides that ability to medical practitioners. What is an ultrasound?Ultrasound produces sound waves that are beamed into the body causing return echoes that are recorded to "visualize" structures beneath the skin. The ability to measure different echoes reflected from a variety of tissues allows a shadow picture to be constructed. The technology is especially accurate at seeing the interface between solid and fluid filled spaces. These are actually the same principles that allow SONAR on boats to see the bottom of the ocean. What is ultrasonography?Ultrasonography is body imaging using ultrasound in medical diagnosis. A skilled ultrasound technician is able to... Other Related Claudication ArticlesEmergency Contact for Duluth
Nearby Duluth Hospitals *Miller-Dwan Medical Center St Mary's Duluth Clinic Health System St Luke's Hospital St Mary's Hospital Superior Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital Lake View Memorial Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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