You are likely familiar with heart disease, but did you know that blockages, plaque buildup and other issues can affect blood vessels throughout the body, such as in your legs, abdomen and neck? These conditions are known as vascular diseases.
What are vascular diseases?
The body’s vascular system – also known as the circulatory system – is comprised of blood vessels, including the arteries, veins and capillaries. Arteries transport oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your organs and tissues. Veins bring blood to your heart from other parts of the body. Capillaries are very small blood vessels that connect arteries to veins.
Various diseases can affect your vascular system, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), peripheral artery disease, stroke, varicose veins, aneurysm, blood clots (including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis), carotid artery disease, coronary artery disease, Raynaud’s disease and vasculitis.
What causes vascular diseases?
The cause of vascular disease depends on the condition itself. Some causes include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, genetics, infection, injury and certain medications, including hormones. In other cases, the cause of vascular disease is unknown.
Who is at risk for vascular diseases?
The following factors increase your risk for vascular diseases: smoking, age (the risk increases as you get older), family history, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, injury or infection that affects the blood vessels, obesity, pregnancy, not exercising, stress, and extended periods of sitting or standing.
Symptoms of vascular disease
The symptoms of vascular disease vary based on the condition. For example, a stroke will cause different symptoms than an aneurysm or varicose veins.
How are vascular diseases treated?
The treatment depends on the type of vascular disease you have. Treatment options can include lifestyle changes (like exercising more, not smoking, managing your stress and eating a heart-healthy diet), medication, minimally invasive procedures and surgery.
Vascular diseases prevention
You can reduce your risk of vascular diseases by quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, not sitting or standing for long periods, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.
If you sit all day, make a point to get up and walk around for a few minutes at least every hour. If you must sit for a long time while traveling, consider wearing compression stockings and stretch your legs often.
Many forms of vascular disease are preventable. I encourage you to see your primary care provider each year for a physical so you know your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. If these numbers are too high, your provider can work with you to determine the right treatment approach.
To find a primary care provider near you, visit pardeehospital.org.
