What is vascular disease?
Vascular disease describes many conditions that affect the circulatory system, including the arteries that carry blood away from the heart and the veins that return blood to the heart. Circulation of blood through the arteries is reduced by a buildup of plaque — fatty deposits inside these vessels. Poor circulation in any part of the body puts you at greater risk for heart attack or stroke. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, you could experience better mobility and a longer, more active life.
Common types of vascular disease include:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Aneurysm
- Peripheral venous disease
- Varicose veins
- Blood clots in the veins
- Renal artery disease
- Raynaud’s disease or syndrome
- Buerger’s disease
The National Institutes of Health estimates that one in every 20 Americans over age 50 has peripheral artery disease (PAD), the most common type of vascular disease.
Signs and symptoms
The typical symptoms of vascular disease include:
- Fatigue, tiredness when walking or climbing
- Heaviness or pain in the arms or legs during activity
- Pain in the finger, hand, foot or leg while at rest
- Sores or wounds that heal slowly
- Color changes in the skin of arms or legs, including pale or blue skin
- Poor nail growth and decreased hair growth, or hair loss on toes and legs
- A cooler temperature in one arm or leg
If appropriate, your physician will refer you to the Vascular Clinic at Parkview Heart Institute.
Diagnosis
The following tests may be performed if your physician believes you have vascular disease:
Non-invasive tests
- Ultrasound identifies plaque buildup or blockage on the inside of blood vessels
- CTA, a type of CT scan, creates detailed images of blood vessels
- MRA, a type of MRI, creates digital images to complement other measurements of blood flow within vessels
Invasive tests
- Arteriogram uses a special dye and X-ray to produce images of the arteries to find any blockages.
Treatments
At the Vascular Clinic at Parkview Heart Institute, our team will work together to determine the best treatment options for you.
If you have vascular disease, the best treatment for you is determined by the type and severity of the disease. Treatment is identified by three approaches.
Lifestyle changes
- Quit smoking
- Lower your vital numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels
- Follow a healthy diet
- Become physically active
- Maintain a healthy weight
Medication
Medications cannot cure peripheral vascular disease but they can help manage conditions and symptoms that contribute to vascular disease.
Surgery/special procedures
- If your condition is advanced, your doctor may discuss improving circulation with a medical procedure such as angioplasty, placement of a stent or by-pass surgery.
Screening & Prevention
Find out if a vascular screening is appropriate for you and schedule your screening today.