Vascular Disease Treatment

What is Considered a Vascular Disease?

Vascular diseases represent a diverse group of medical conditions that affect the circulatory system, which consists of blood vessels, such as arteries, veins, capillaries, and the heart.

Cardiovascular disorders include conditions such as:

• Atherosclerosis
• Aneurysms
• Peripheral artery disease
• Venous thrombosis
• Vasculitis

While each category of vascular disease exhibits distinct characteristics, they all have one common factor: the disruption of normal blood flow.

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a common type of vascular disorder. It usually affects the arteries and veins located outside of the heart, most often in the limbs. The primary symptom of PVD is leg pain when walking, known as intermittent claudication. Other symptoms can include numbness or burning in affected areas, and skin color changes.

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease is another type of vascular disorder that affects the two major arteries in the neck. The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain, so when they become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), it can increase your risk for stroke and other serious complications.

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of the arteries in the lungs that can occur when a clot from elsewhere in the body (usually from the legs) breaks loose and travels to the lungs. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. This condition can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Collagen Vascular Disease

Collagen vascular disease is a type of autoimmune disorder that affects the connective tissue in various parts of the body, such as the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, joint pain, fatigue, and frequent infections.

Cerebrovascular Disease

Cerebrovascular disease is a general term that refers to any number of conditions that can affect the blood vessels and circulation in the brain, leading to stroke or other serious complications. Symptoms depend on the type of condition, but they may include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and vision loss.

Vascular Disease Treatments

The range of treatments available for vascular diseases depends on the type and severity of the condition. In some cases, lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can help reduce symptoms. Medication may also be prescribed to manage pain or lower blood pressure. Other times, therapeutic procedures are necessary to restore normal blood flow or repair damaged vessels.

Lifestyle Changes

Making small lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can help reduce the risk of developing vascular diseases or mitigate existing symptoms. Eating foods that are low in saturated fat and sodium while incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables can lower cholesterol levels and improve circulation. Exercising also helps to increase blood flow throughout the body, which can strengthen the cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Medication Management

Medications are sometimes prescribed to improve symptoms related to vascular diseases, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. Common medications used in combination with lifestyle modifications include statins, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics. These drugs can help lower cholesterol levels and relieve systemic inflammation associated with vascular diseases.

Therapeutic Procedures

In more serious cases, invasive procedures may be necessary to restore normal blood flow or repair damaged vessels. Endovascular surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove blockages and treat aneurysms within the blood vessels. Open vessel surgery may also be employed in more severe cases to repair damage or restore normal circulation.