Comprehensive Care at Center for Vascular Medicine
Vascular disease is a significant health concern in the United States, claiming the lives of over one million people each year. Shockingly, half of these deaths result from vascular disease outside the heart, highlighting the critical need for early detection and treatment.
At Center for Vascular Medicine, we are at the forefront of vascular care, offering advanced screening, diagnosis, and treatment options to help manage and prevent these life-threatening conditions.
What is Vascular Disease?
Think of your blood vessels as the plumbing system in your house. Just as pipes carry water throughout your home to different rooms, your blood vessels (arteries and veins) transport blood to every body part. Arteries are responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood from the heart to your organs and limbs, while veins carry the blood back to the heart for reoxygenation. When issues arise within this vascular system, they can lead to severe disabilities or even death. Vascular disease can affect various parts of the body, and its impact can be widespread if left untreated.
Vascular Disease Risk Factors
Vascular disease can affect anyone, but certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing this condition. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early intervention and prevention. Some of the most common risk factors include:
- Family History
- Age
- Obesity
- Type II Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Smoking
Early detection of vascular disease can save lives and is a crucial part of your overall health and wellness exams. Vascular disease can impact individuals of all ages and manifest in different body parts.
While some people may be at a higher risk, the factors contributing to that risk can vary based on the specific condition. Even if you’re not in a high-risk category, talk to your vascular specialist or primary care provider about your vascular health, risk factors, and how to decrease your risk.
Types of Vascular Disease
Understanding the various types of vascular disease can help you recognize symptoms and seek timely medical attention. Below are some of the most common forms of vascular disease and their associated complications:
Aortic Disease
The aorta, the largest artery in the body, supplies blood to the brain, organs, and limbs. Aortic disease includes valve insufficiencies, aneurysms, aortic dissection, atherosclerosis, and connective tissue disorders.
Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease affects blood vessels leading to the brain and is a significant cause of stroke in the US. Critical conditions related to this disease include stenosis, carotid artery blockage, embolism, transient ischemic attack (TIA), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and critical limb ischemia.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) is caused by plaque buildup, narrowing arteries, and reduced blood flow. It primarily affects the legs. Common symptoms include leg pain during physical activity, fatigue, ulcers, and poor wound healing. Severe cases may lead to the need for amputation, and individuals with P.A.D. are at a significantly higher risk of stroke.
Renal Vascular Disease
Renal vascular disease affects the arteries and veins of the kidneys, and when these vessels become narrowed, blocked, or weakened, it can lead to several severe conditions. One of the primary issues caused by this disease is hypertension, or high blood pressure, which becomes difficult to control due to impaired blood flow. The reduced blood flow can also cause kidney damage, impairing kidney function over time. In severe cases, renal vascular disease can progress to complete kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Upper Extremity Vascular Disease
Upper extremity vascular disease, less common than peripheral arterial disease in the legs, can affect the arms. This condition results from narrowed or blocked vessels between the chest and hand, causing pain and potential complications. Reduced blood flow can lead to poorly healing wounds, changes in nail growth, and, in severe cases, loss of fingers or limbs.
Vascular Pelvic Pain Disease
Chronic pelvic pain in women is a common concern, accounting for 10 to 15 percent of all gynecologic visits. Vascular conditions, such as pelvic congestion syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, and varicocele, are often overlooked as possible causes of the pain when other issues have been ruled out. These conditions can lead to chronic pain and other symptoms and should be considered when diagnosing chronic pelvic pain.
Can I Reduce My Risk of Vascular Disease?
You can take several proactive steps to lower your risk of developing vascular disease. By making specific lifestyle changes and managing any existing health conditions, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing complications related to vascular disease.
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk of vascular disease. These foods are high in nutrients and low in unhealthy fats and sugars, which can help maintain healthy blood vessels. Reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats can help prevent plaque buildup in your arteries.
Choose healthier fats, like those in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for vascular disease. Talk to your doctor about your blood pressure and if you’d benefit from lowering your salt intake, which is not for everyone. Before making any significant changes to your diet, talk to your doctor about your medical history, underlying conditions, and medications before starting your diet.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of vascular disease. Losing even a small amount of weight can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing strain on your blood vessels. Aim for at least 90 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Walking, swimming, and cycling can improve circulation, help maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen your cardiovascular system.
Physical activity improves blood circulation and strengthens the heart. It also helps maintain a healthy weight and manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even simple activities like daily walking can make a significant difference.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for vascular disease. The chemicals in tobacco can damage your blood vessels, increase plaque buildup, and raise your risk of blood clots. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of vascular complications. If you smoke, seek support from healthcare providers, counseling services, or smoking cessation programs to help you quit.
Treat Underlying Conditions
If you have underlying conditions that could put you at risk, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, your vascular health needs to get those under control. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of vascular disease. Work with your healthcare provider to create a management plan that includes medication, diet, and exercise. High LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries. Regular check-ups and dietary adjustments can help manage cholesterol levels.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and contribute to obesity, both of which are risk factors for vascular disease. Limit your alcohol intake to one daily drink for women and two for men.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and unhealthy behaviors like overeating or smoking. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Regular Health Screenings
Regular health screenings are essential for detecting early signs of vascular disease, allowing timely intervention. These screenings may include blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and vascular imaging studies.
If you have multiple risk factors for vascular disease, you must ask your doctor about a vascular screening to check the health of your arteries and veins. If you have been diagnosed with a condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it's essential to follow your doctor’s advice and take prescribed medications as directed. Consistent management of these conditions can help prevent further vascular damage.
Vascular Disease Treatment at Center for Vascular Medicine
Lowering your risk of vascular disease involves a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, regular monitoring, and proactive management of any existing health conditions. By adopting these strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
Call (301) 486-4690 or request an appointment online to get started with Center for Vascular Medicine.