The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 23, Number 7 | Page 42

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | September 2017
Ask the Physician
Between hectic work schedules and weekends packed with activities, it’s no wonder we often ignore pains and
cramps in our legs, with many just chalking it up to being on their feet too much.
Unfortunately, these pains could be a sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a serious vascular condition. PAD is
caused by plaque build-up in the arteries supplying the legs, resulting in reduced blood flow. This causes leg muscle
pain when walking and -- left untreated -- can lead to disability, amputation, and a poor quality of life. Blocked
arteries found in people with PAD are often a red flag that other arteries, including those in the heart and brain, may
also be blocked – increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
“Many individuals over 50 years of age are at risk for PAD,” notes Richard Kovach, MD, Division Director of
Deborah’s Interventional Cardiology Department, “but risk definitely increases if you smoke, have diabetes, high
blood pressure, abnormal blood cholesterol, are African American or have a family history of coronary heart disease
or stroke.”
Dr. Kovach points out some of the telltale signs to keep an eye on.
“If you start noticing fatigue, heaviness, tiredness or cramping in the leg muscles of the calf, thigh or buttocks that
happens when you are walking-- and then goes away when resting -- or if you have foot or toe pain that disturbs
your sleep, or skin wounds or ulcers on your feet or toes that are slow to heal, then you should get it checked out.”
The PAD tests are simple and painless. If a blockage is discovered, Deborah’s team of experts can draw on a full
spectrum of preventive, diagnostic, interventional and surgical treatments options for even the most advanced form
of PAD.
“We have some of the most sophisticated devices available to clear blockages in the legs,” adds Dr. Kovach. “With
these state-of-the-art treatments, patients find themselves quickly recovering from a procedure and back to work or
play in no time.”
“I strongly urge anyone with risk factors or symptoms to take the time and be checked at Deborah Heart and Lung
Center’s upcoming free PAD screening event.”
If you are interested in this free PAD screening event taking place Saturday, September 23 rd , please call (609) 621-
2080, option #2 to see if you’re at risk and make your appointment.
Richard Kovach, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FACP
Attending Cardiac Interventionalist
Medical Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
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