Polycythemia in 39 year old male?!
Question: Polycythemia in 39 year old male!?
my husband was diagnosed with polycythemia vera two years ago, after having a heart attack!. last year he developed a clot in his lower belly that blocked blood flow to his left foot!. a stint was used and now he's ok!. until two weeks ago!. discoloration has returned in his (same)foot!.
a doppler test showed good sounds!. my concern is this:
the right leg pressure was 140!. in the "bad" leg, the pressure was 90!!
big difference!. they gave him a scrip for lipitor, and he's already on plavix!.
whats a normal leg pressure, and is it normal to have such a difference in the two legs!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
a doppler test showed good sounds!. my concern is this:
the right leg pressure was 140!. in the "bad" leg, the pressure was 90!!
big difference!. they gave him a scrip for lipitor, and he's already on plavix!.
whats a normal leg pressure, and is it normal to have such a difference in the two legs!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
It's normal for there to be a difference, in your husband's case!. I'm going to assume the pressure you're referring to is what's called ABI (ankle brachial index)!. This is the standard used to determine lower extermity eschemia in patients with PAD (peripheral arterial disease)!. As a rule, an ABI of 0!.90, or higher, would be considered normal!. Mild: between 0!.90 - 0!.70!. Moderate: 0!.50 - 0!.70!. Severe: 0!.50 or lower!.
Your husband having an ABI of 140 on his non-affected limb is great! One less thing to worry about!. Of course, expecting both legs to have the same, or even near same ABIs isn't really realistic, under the circumstances!. Blood flow to the affected limb is limited by the size of the stent!.
So!.!.!. to keep it somewhat simple!. Yes, it's normal for there to be such a difference between the two legs, in your husbands case!. Just know that 0!.90 is actually a VERY GOOD ABI!. Especially when you consider the fact that he could very well have lost all or part of that limb!.
If your husband sticks with his diet, takes his medications as prescribed, follows an exercise program that's approved by his doctor, and continues getting regular medical exams, he's likely to live a long, healthy, and productive life!.!.!. with both of his limbs intact!.
Hope this is helpful, and best of luck and health to him and you!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Your husband having an ABI of 140 on his non-affected limb is great! One less thing to worry about!. Of course, expecting both legs to have the same, or even near same ABIs isn't really realistic, under the circumstances!. Blood flow to the affected limb is limited by the size of the stent!.
So!.!.!. to keep it somewhat simple!. Yes, it's normal for there to be such a difference between the two legs, in your husbands case!. Just know that 0!.90 is actually a VERY GOOD ABI!. Especially when you consider the fact that he could very well have lost all or part of that limb!.
If your husband sticks with his diet, takes his medications as prescribed, follows an exercise program that's approved by his doctor, and continues getting regular medical exams, he's likely to live a long, healthy, and productive life!.!.!. with both of his limbs intact!.
Hope this is helpful, and best of luck and health to him and you!Www@Answer-Health@Com
The reference is to the pressure in the arm!. If 140 is the normal pressure in the arm than the left leg is 50 mm lower than it should be!. Interpret the results as the ratio of the arm to the leg ie!. 90/140!. Normal is one or greater!. Your value is !.6 which is compatible with moderate arterial obstruction in the left leg (!.4-!.9) capable of producing muscle cramps with walking!.Www@Answer-Health@Com