Conditions

Renal insufficiency means the kidneys are not working properly. The kidneys’ major function is to remove waste and unnecessary elements from the blood. This waste is then eliminated in urine. When the kidneys do not function properly, the blood is not being cleaned. This can cause a build up of unwanted electrolytes, such as potassium…

This syndrome occurs when the blood vessels and nerves that run in front of the shoulder between the muscles, collar bone and first rib are pinched. People suffering from this may feel pain, weakness, numbness and swelling in the affected arm. The arm, and especially the hand, may feel cold and appear blue. Physiotherapy may…

This condition is also known as Peripheral Arterial Disease. PAD occurs when blood flow to peripheral body parts is restricted by a narrowing or blockage of the arteries. This can affect the arms, but circulation issues most often occur in the legs. This can cause pain and the limb may feel cold and look pale. The…

Limb ischemia means there is a lack of blood flow to a limb, often a leg. This can be the result of peripheral vascular disease, which occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries leading to or in the affected limb. Blockages can occur for many reasons, but smoking and poorly controlled diabetes are…

The two carotid arteries, running up each side of the neck, carry blood to the brain. Carotid stenosis happens when blood flow through these vessels is partially blocked. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking are all possible causes. A partially-blocked carotid can be very risky. There is an increased chance that a person…

The aorta is the main blood vessel that pumps blood away from the heart. It travels down the body until dividing just above the groin area into two major arteries called the iliac arteries. These become the femoral arteries as they continue into the legs. An aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta’s walls weaken and…