Vascular disease affects the body’s circulatory system – the arteries and veins. These vessels carry blood to every part of the body as the heart beats. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins bring blood into the heart.
The many vascular conditions interupt the flowing of blood to and from the heart, effecting circulation.
Vascular disease includes:
- Atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries and plaque buildup within the arterial walls
- Aneurysms – weakening and bulging of the arterial walls
- Venous insufficiency – abnormal blood flow through veins
- Varicose veins – enlarged, twisted, stretched veins visible just below skin surface or any combination of the above.
Vascular disease affects three main areas of the circulatory system:
- Peripheral vascular – the arms and legs
- Central vascular – the chest and abdomen
- Neurovascular – the head and neck
Peripheral Arterial Disease
According to the Vascular Disease Foundation, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is one of the most common vascular diseases. A form of atherosclerosis, PAD is a gradual buildup of fatty deposits where the arteries become hardened and narrowed. This condition is not selective and thus can occur in any artery in the body.
PAD symptoms often show up in the legs and feet as blood flow is gradually restricted from these areas. The most common signs are pain or cramping in the legs. If left untreated, PAD can lead to disability and eventually amputation.
Those with a previous history of heart attack or stroke should be especially cautious of this disease as it represents the same blood-flow blocking process. Exercise, healthy-eating and quitting smoking may help to control this disease. Blood pressure and cholesteral must remain in a healthy range. For some, medication is necessary.
For more information on vascular disease, visit the Vascular Disease Foundation at www.vdf.org.
