Lower Extremity

Occurs when blood vessels (arteries) in the groin or legs are narrowed or blocked by cholesterol plaque. This cuts off the blood supply to the rest of the leg, feet, and toes.

Symptoms

• Pain in the buttock, thigh, or calf region while walking and relieved when walking stops (called claudication)
• Changes in skin color or temperature
• Slow healing sores (usually on the feet & toes)

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Occurs when part of the wall of the abdominal aorta weakens. The weak wall stretches outward and becomes thin. The build-up of cholesterol can occur on the "ballooning" walls. Leaking and/or rupture of the aorta may follow.

Symptoms

• Most often NO symptoms
• Occasionally the pulsating abdominal aorta is noted in the abdomen at level of belly button.
• If the aneurysm is leaking, severe lower abdominal or back pain may be present.

Carotid Artery Blockage

Occurs when the inside of the carotid artery becomes narrow and obstructed by cholesterol plaque, which likely leads to mini-stroke symptoms or stroke. As narrowing progresses, the risk for a mini-stroke or stroke increases.

Symptoms

• Most often NO symptoms
• Unexplained dizziness, drop attacks
• Blindness or shading in one or both eyes
• Loss of control or tingling/numbness in arm(s) or leg(s)
• Difficulty speaking, swallowing and/or memory loss.
• Unexplained confusion