Dear HealthSmart,

What is Peripheral Artery Disease and how is it different from Coronary Artery Disease?

HealthSmart asked Dr. Joseph Mills, professor and chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine. Here’s his response:

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is the narrowing of the peripheral arteries to the legs, arms, stomach and head due to a buildup of plaque acquired over time. Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) is the same narrowing of arteries, except is designated to around the heart, resulting in limited blood flow to the heart. One major difference between the two is that CAD has a much larger genetic component than PAD, and as a result there are many more steps towards PAD prevention that can be taken. The most common symptoms of PAD involving the lower extremities are cramping, pain or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs.

Dear HealthSmart,

I’ve been in psychotherapy for a number of years but recently feel I can’t handle the symptoms of my depression on my own and want to explore antidepressants. What are the side effects?

HealthSmart asked Dr. Trivedi, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Here’s his response:

Side effects of antidepressant medications will vary in nature and severity depending on the medication and the individual. Often side effects will lessen or diminish all together with time. It’s also important to note that sometimes the beneficial effects of the drug will not occur for several weeks – so patients should not get discouraged if they do not notice improvement in their symptoms initially. When trying new drug, patients should keep an accurate track of side effects experienced to report to their physician. Perhaps their physician will prescribe a change in dosage, or different medication, which will often eliminate side effects. Many patients have been on antidepressants for twenty years or more and clinical trials provide no indication of harmful effects associated with continued use.

Dear HealthSmart,

Is there more than one type of stroke? Is one more common than others?

HealthSmart asked Dr. Erol Veznedaroglu, M.D., Director of Neurosciences Institute at Drexel University. Here’s his response:

There can be three types of stroke. The most common type of stroke ischemic, which occurs as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is uncontrolled hypertension. A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is caused by a temporary clot and is often referred to as a “mini stroke”. Nevertheless, TIAs should be taken very seriously as they are usually a warning stroke, signaling that the patient may experience a more serious stroke in the future.

Do you have questions on health or wellness you’d like answered by the nation’s leading medical researchers? If so, you can send to Editor@WashNews.com. HealthSmart is a national newspaper column from the Washington News Service in DC. Due to demand, we are unable to reply to all inquiries. Responses through the column are no substitute for care from physicians or other medical professionals.

Copyright Ellen James Martin 2021