This month the staff at Beverly Hospital’s Center for Advanced Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine celebrates American Heart Month. They want to remind you that a healthy heart is a vital component of wound healing. It helps keep oxygen and nutrient-rich blood flowing through the body.
Heart health is important as there are diseases which can reduce or block the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients needed for wound healing. Heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can cause plaque to build up inside the arteries.
The oxygen and nutrients that blood carries to a wound are crucial to successful healing. Wounds generally heal more slowly if blood can’t circulate properly.
Common wound types associated with heart disease include:
- Venous Ulcers: These ulcers occur when swelling, due to damaged valves of the lower leg veins, is uncontrolled. This can cause blood to pool in the ankles and fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue. This fluid breaks down the tissue and an ulcer forms. Venous ulcers are typically found along the inside of the lower leg, below the knee.
- Arterial Ulcers: An arterial ulcer is commonly caused by clogged arteries. When an artery is clogged, it decreases the blood flow, which can cause tissues to be damaged and an ulcer to form. An arterial ulcer is typically found on the lower leg or foot and is often located over the top of the toes or the ankle.
It is never too late to start talking about your heart health and wound care. Speak with your physician about your risk of developing wounds caused by heart disease and if you need to visit a wound care center for further treatment.
Providing Quality Care With All Our Heart
The Center for Advanced Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Beverly Hospital provides a comprehensive approach to treating patients with non-healing wounds. It is open Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm and Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm. It is located at 413 N Poplar Ave., Montebello, CA 90640. For more information about wound care, diabetes assistance, or to schedule an appointment, please call (323) 725-5066
