Peripheral Arterial Disease is a functional impairing disease caused by the narrowing of arteries that, in turn, reduce oxygen and blood flow to the limbs. ... Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty plaques are deposited on the walls of arteries, causing a narrow arterial opening which reduces or constricts blood flow. ... The Ankle-Brachial Index is used to compare the systolic blood pressure in the upper and lower limbs for indication of obstruction. ... This is done by placing the blood pressure cuff around the ankle, elevating the foot, then inflating the cuff and returning the foot to the hori...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

As many as 5 million Americans suffer from heart failure, which is characterized by the heart's reduced ability to pump blood around the body, with half a million more diagnosed each year. It can be caused by high blood pressure, valve disease, clogged arteries and other cardiovascular problems. ... Their popularity stems from a remarkable ability to reduce the rate of heart attacks and strokes in people with a variety of risk factors, even if they do not have high cholesterol levels. ... About 45% of the patients suffered from ischemic heart failure caused by a heart attack, while ...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

You also must check your blood sugar level every day if you are taking insulin or oral medicine. ... The risk of stroke can reduced by not smoking, controlling blood pressure, getting regular exercise, maintaining body weight, avoiding excessive alcohol, and by getting regular checkups. ... This happens when the supply of blood to the heart muscle is reduced, from a blocked artery, or stopped. ... The factors that you can change are smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stress, and lack or exercise. ... If you ever have any of these symptoms you should go see a doctor and get ch...

• Word Count: 635
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• Grade Level: High School