Claudication Center - Grand Junction, COGrand Junction 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 Grand Junction * Western Slope Cardiology  Western Slope Cardiology  Western Slope Cardiology  Western Slope Cardiology  Western Slope Cardiology  Western Slope Cardiology  Western Slope Cardiology  Western Slope Cardiology  Kurt D Spriggs DO  Mountain View Cardiology  Mountain View Cardiology  Internal Medicine Specialty Group Grand Junction, ColoradoUpcoming Local Events2012-06-02
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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 ClaudicationMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) » What is an MRI scan?An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. The receiver information is processed by a computer, and an image is produced. The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.
When are MRI scans used?An MRI scan can... Other Related Claudication ArticlesEmergency Contact for Grand Junction
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