This documentary explores Good Cardiovascular and Diabetic Health. Some of the topics covered in the film are: Peripheral Arterial Disease: Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD, is a buildup of fatty deposits known as plaque in the limbs - most commonly the legs - which causes reduced blood flow. It is often an indicator of a more widespread accumulation of plaque in arteries that supply blood to other parts of the body, including the heart and brain. PAD affects an estimated 8.5 million Americans. Endovascular Aortic Resection: The aorta is the large artery that carries blood to the abdomen and legs. An aortic aneurysm is when a portion of the aorta becomes enlarged, ballooning outward, risking a life-threatening rupture of the aortic wall. One of the procedures to address this is called endovascular aortic repair or EVAR. EVAR is a minimally-invasive procedure where a stint is guided into position to help direct blood blow and insure the aneurism does not rupture. Cardiac Biomarkers: Cardiac biomarkers are substances that are released into the blood when the heart is damaged or stressed. Measurements of these biomarkers are used to help diagnose acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and cardiac ischemia, conditions associated with insufficient blood flow to the heart (atherosclerosis). Tests for cardiac biomarkers can also be used to help determine a person's risk of having these conditions or to help monitor and manage someone with these diseases. Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Lower leg and foot ulcers are a common and potentially serious health problem for millions of Americans with diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers can form as a result of numerous factors such as poor blood circulation, friction or pressure and trauma. Patients who have had diabetes for many years can develop enough nerve damage that they are not become aware of foot sores that can develop into ulcers. Most anyone with diabetes can develop diabetic foot ulcers.
