Vascular & Endovascular Interventions of New York
HEART ATTACK, DIURETIC, AGE: ANSWERS FROM A SPECIALIST
Circulation disease specialist Dr. Lev Khitin answers our readers' questions.
Dr. Lev Markovich Khitin is the holder of a long list of medical specialties and honored titles: specialist in cardiovascular surgery, physician of the highest category in the fields of cardiopulmonary and general surgery, member of the American Academy of Cardiac Surgery, corresponding member of the American College of General and Vascular Surgery, founder and longtime president of the New York Vein Institute. Today he answers questions from our readers.
"I've been following your page closely. You explain serious medical problems in simple language that the reader can understand. My wife claims that leg problems supposedly lead to heart attacks. Is that true?" (Isaac S., Queens)
Dear Isaac, absolutely always, without any doubts or exceptions and under any circumstances, your wife is absolutely right. However, you have not quite understood her correctly. Leg diseases do not lead to heart attacks, but the fact is that some diseases circulation of the lower extremities are caused by the same processes that can also lead to myocardial infarction. Therefore, the presence of this process in the legs increases the likelihood of its presence in the heart. One of the most common examples of this phenomenon is the so-called "arterial atherosclerosis", or, as it is called, called in the former Soviet Union, "obliterating endarteritis." Incidentally, being a systemic disease, it also increases the likelihood of stroke.
"I have been taking a diuretic for swelling of my legs for a long time. Suddenly, two weeks ago, it stopped working. What is the reason, what should I do?" (Fima V., New Jersey)
One of the most frequently asked questions that bothers patients at our clinic is the question concerning the use of diuretics for leg edema. In other words, are diuretics indicated for edema and, if indicated, why are they so ineffective? First and foremost: it is absolutely wrong treat a single symptom - leg swelling. It is absolutely necessary to make the correct diagnosis, which will ultimately determine the appropriate treatment. At the same time, despite the fact that swelling of the lower extremities can be a manifestation of a huge number of different diseases, according to statistics, over 90% edema is a consequence of diseases of the vessels of the lower extremities. Please note that this problem is associated not only with an excess amount of fluid in the entire body, but also with its abnormal distribution between the legs and the body. In such cases, the use of diuretics is contraindicated! The use of diuretics for leg edema can normalize the amount of fluid in the lower extremities at the cost of dehydration. As a result, the kidneys may be seriously damaged. Before using diuretics, be sure to consult a specialist.
"My father is 78 years old and he has never liked to be treated. He can barely walk, but refuses to see a doctor. He says that all his problems are due to old age. Tell me, is it possible to get rid of walking problems at his no longer young age? " (Leonid M., Queens)
Not only is it possible, but it is also necessary! Old age is not a diagnosis that can explain problems with walking or any other health problems. Do not delay visiting a doctor: the earlier the stage of the disease, the easier its treatment and the better its results! Diseases , associated with impaired blood supply to the lower extremities, are varied and, unfortunately, little known to doctors who are not specialists in the field of circulatory disorders. In addition, these diseases are widespread and fraught with serious complications. Therefore, timely contact with the appropriate specialist at the moment when the disease has not yet started, serves as a guarantee of a good result. It is this step that will help to make the correct diagnosis in time and begin treatment before the onset of the stage of irreversible changes.
Lev Khitin, MD, FACS
Vascular & Endovascular Interventions of New York
IF YOU SUFFER FROM PAIN, CRAMPS OR WEAKNESS IN YOUR LEGS, IF YOU
IT IS DIFFICULT TO STAND OR WALK IF YOU HAVE
FEET ARE TIRED, BURNING, NUMB OR COLD,
please contact:
WE WILL HELP YOU!
Lev Khitin, MD, FAC S
A physician of the highest category in the fields of cardiovascular, thoracic and general surgery. Member of the American Academy of Surgery, Corresponding Member of the American Association of Cardiac Surgeons, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the American Academy of Vascular Medicine, founder and permanent president of the New York Institute for the Treatment of Vein Diseases.
Manhattan, 30 Park Ave, NY, NY 10016
Brooklyn, 406 15th Street
(718) 372-8346
