Vascular disease is a condition affecting the network of your blood vessels including arteries, veins and capillaries. These diseases can affect how your blood flows by blocking or weakening your blood vessels or damaging valves found in your veins. Vascular conditions can damage body organs, leading to severe disability or death. Weston vein evaluations can help diagnose the cause and type of a vascular disease you are battling. Below are the common vascular diseases that can affect you.
Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulge in your artery wall caused by the weakening of the blood vessels. It mainly occurs in the aorta. Aneurysms can put you at risk of other issues when they get bigger and press on other organs, causing pain and plaque deposits to accumulate at the site. If the artery with an aneurysm stretches, it can become fragile and rupture, suddenly causing death.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is when deposits of fats, cholesterol, and other substances known as plaque build-up in blood vessels. When the plaque builds up over a long period, it makes your vessel narrow, and it becomes difficult for your blood to flow. A plaque can rupture, blocking your blood flow. Eventually, the artery gets so thin, cutting off blood supply to certain body parts leading to the death of a limb or an organ.
Blood clots
Blood clots occur in veins inside your muscles, especially in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis. Blood clots can be caused by certain tumors, genetic disorders, damaged veins from injuries or infections, prolonged bed rest, or hormones such as estrogen from birth control pills. When a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it turns out to be a pulmonary embolism. Damaged vein valves can also lead to blood pooling and leg swelling.
Buerger’s disease
Buerger’s disease occurs in your small and medium arteries and veins in the arms and legs. These blood vessels swell, form clots, and cut off blood supply to the fingers, hands, and feet. The affected body parts hurt even when you are resting. In severe cases, you may lose fingers or toes. Although the disease cause is unknown, it is mainly related to tobacco products.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins appear like tiny red or purple ropes on the knees or thighs, causing your legs to ache or swell. If your valves get damaged and do not close when the muscles relax, they allow blood to flow in both directions instead of regular movement, and it may pool, causing varicose veins. Pregnancy or standing for long periods can cause this condition in women since blood flows slowly, sticking on veins sides and forming clots.
Lymphedema
Your lymphatic system relies on the valves vessels and muscle contractions for lymph movements. Lymphedema occurs if these vessels do not work correctly; fluid builds up and causes swelling mainly in the arms and legs. Blockage in the lymphatic system can be caused by cancer, infections, severe injury, or surgery.
You must visit your doctor to evaluate and treat vascular conditions to prevent severe problems. Schedule an appointment at Soffer Health Institute for vein evaluations of vascular disease.
