Vascular Disease

What is vascular disease?

In the body there are numerous tubular structures which carry blood both from the heart and towards the heart. Vessels which carry blood from the heart are called arteries and vessels which carry blood to the heart are called veins. The arteries usually carry oxygenated blood to the body and veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the lungs. Any disorder which affects the arteries or veins is classified under vascular disease.

Which arteries are affected in vascular disease?

In general when one artery is involved with disease, one can rest assured that some degree of disease may exist in the other arteries of the body. Vascular disease of the arteries is a systemic disease. The most common arteries affected are:

- The largest blood vessel in the body (aorta) is commonly affected by atherosclerosis. Unlike the smaller arteries, diseases of the aorta usually weaken the walls and can cause it to balloon out (become aneurysmal). When they balloon to a certain size, the risk of rupture increases.

- The vessels in the neck (carotid artery) supply blood to the brain and frequently develop atherosclerosis. This causes the vessels to narrow and decrease blood supply to the brain. In addition fragments of cholesterol from these neck vessels are also a common cause of stroke.

- Vessels in the brain can also balloon and rupture (brain aneurysms)

- Vessels which supply the kidney may be blocked and decrease blood supply. This is frequently a cause of high blood pressure.

- Atherosclerosis of the leg vessels is very common and limits blood supply to the leg. When complete blockage occurs, the individual will not be able to walk far and complain of pain in the leg. Others may develop serious infections of the leg which may eventually lead to foot/leg amputations.

- Vessels which supply blood to the heart (coronary artery vessels) are also affected by atherosclerosis. The individual may complain of chest pain and even suffer a heart attack.

Which veins are affected in vascular disease?

In general, veins in the following areas can be affected:

- deep veins in the legs are most commonly affected by a blood clot

- superficial veins in the legs may develop varicosities and blood clots

- veins around the collar bone may get blocked and the arm will swell

- Veins in the abdomen may get blocked and lead to swelling in the legs or other organs.

- The major vein from the heart supplying the face and neck can get blocked (usually from cancer) and cause severe swelling of the face.

What types of diseases affect veins?

The most common disorders of the veins are?

- blood clots

- phlebitis (inflammation of the veins)

- varicose veins

- spider veins

What types of diseases affect arteries?

The most common disorders of the arteries include:

- atherosclerosis causing blockage

- aneurysm (ballooning) of the blood vessels

- rupture of the blood vessels

- embolism (particles breaking off from somewhere in the body and dislodging in a blood vessel)

- spasms of the vessels (Raynaud's)

- collagen vascular disorders

Who is more likely to get vein disorders?

In general vein disorders occur in individuals who:

- are pregnant

- are obese

- have injury to the veins

- have had a stroke or are bed ridden

- sit or stand for prolonged periods

- use the birth control pill

- have a family history of venous disorders

- have inherited blood clotting disorder

Who is more likely to get arterial disorders?

In general, arterial disorders are more common in:

- obese individuals

- smokers

- diabetics

- those with uncontrolled blood pressure

- those with high cholesterol

- those who do not exercise and have a sedentary lifestyle

How can one prevent arterial disease?

- stop smoking

- exercise regularly

- lose weight

- control your blood sugar

- control blood pressure

- eat healthy



How can I prevent venous disorders?

In general, to prevent venous disorders one should

- walk or exercise regularly

- wear compression stockings

- when traveling move around

- lose weight

- avoid sitting or standing around for prolonged times

Who deals with vascular disorders?

Arterial disorders are in most cases dealt by specialized surgeons (vascular surgeons), but venous disorders may be treated by either general physicians or surgeons.

Final Advice

Vascular disease affects millions of individuals in North America. If you think you have any one or more of the above symptoms, the best advice is to see a physician so preventive measures can be initiated early. Most vascular disorders are life long and not fun to have