FMD most commonly occurs in the renal arteries but can also present in the carotid arteries, mesenteric arteries and peripheral arteries. On angiography, a normal artery will be uniform in size appearing tube like.
An artery affected by FMD will have an appearance of a "string of beads." FMD is more prevalent in premenopausal women from age 14 to 50, but can also occur in men and older women.
Symptoms of FMD vary depending on the location of the disease. When the renal arteries are affected a person may experience uncontrollable hypertension, kidney atrophy and chronic renal failure. When the carotid arteries are affected a person may experience stroke like symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision or temporary loss of vision, ringing in the ears, neck pain and chronic headaches. When the mesenteric arteries are affected a person may have abdominal pain after eating or unexplained weight loss. When the peripheral arteries are involved a person may have cold limbs, weakness, numbness and pain in limb with exertion.
FMD can be diagnosed through multiple modalities such as Doppler ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) angiogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or digital subtraction angiogram. Once FMD has been diagnosed treatment can include percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and in some cases stenting is also necessary at the same time. In rare cases surgical revascularization maybe needed depending on the location and the severity of the disease.
In most cases arteries that have been treated will be monitored twice a year for the first two years and if everything remains normal, monitoring can be limited to once per year.
Fibromuscular Dysplasia is a serious medical condition that affects the arteries, and can go untreated if not properly diagnosed. While the symptoms related to FMD are similar to symptoms seen in older indviduals with arterial blockages, it should not be over looked in the younger poplulation.
Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive, quick and cost effective method to follow-up a patient with FMD. At the Vascular Lab of West Michigan we have experience Registered Vascular Technologists that are trained to evaluate each area.
We now know that losing one's teeth is not a natural part of aging. Losing one's teeth is a result of neglect over many years. Although nearly half of people age 85 and older have lost their teeth, the likelihood of this happening to future generations is on the decline. Better nutrition, access to dental care, and better treatment for periodontal disease and decay are instrumental in maintaining teeth for a lifetime.
One problem that many seniors have is active decay. Where they might have had no or few cavities as a younger person, many seniors experience rampant decay and the resulting dental problems that stem from decay.
Much of this decay is found on the roots of teeth. As people live longer, their gums recede from vigorous brushing, periodontal disease, etc. The exposed roots do not have enamel covering them and are therefore more prone to decay.
The root is made of cementum. This cementum is yellowish in color, (making many people feel self conscious about the color) and rougher in texture which allows plaque and stains to adhere more readily. This attraction of the root for plaque in conjunction with loss of dexterity which afflicts many seniors is a recipe for decay.
This decay is not easy to fix either. Decay can develop below the gum-line and may result in a cavity that cannot be treated, requiring tooth extraction. Even when these below-the-gum-line cavities can be repaired the failure rate is high. Where a surface cavity can easily be removed and filled in, root decay tends to wrap around the whole tooth. To repair decay of this magnitude may require an expensive crown. The depth of decay on the root is closer to the nerve of the tooth which may also require an expensive root canal in addition to a crown. Many seniors are on fixed incomes which do not have room for these costly dental procedures.
The best protection against root decay is by regular brushing (at least two times a day), flossing and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks. Drinking water throughout the day if you have a dry mouth will help also. Those people with dry mouths due to side effects of medications or just loss of saliva flow due to aging will have more decay.
The dentist or hygienist may prescribe fluoride to help prevent root decay. Regular visits to the dentist can catch decay in its early stages when it is easier (and less expensive!) to treat.
While most people think decay is just for kids, natural teeth of any age are susceptible, especially those of seniors.