Vascular Disease & Treatment
What is Vascular Disease? Peripheral Vascular Disease is a build-up of plaque in the arteries outside of your heart that reduces the flow of blood. As a result, some parts of your body don't get the oxygen they need. Frequently, atheriosclerosis is not confined to one artery but may involve other arteries as well. Some of the more commonly affected areas are arteries in the legs, arms, neck and kidneys. And some patients have both coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.
Stroke A stroke (also called a “Brain Attack”) occurs when one of the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the brain either becomes blocked or ruptures. When this happens, the nerve cells of the affected portion of the brain cannot function. This is the reason why a ‘stroke’ can affect people differently, such as paralysis, impaired speech, problems eating or swallowing, etc.
There are several different ways a stroke can occur:
Another form of a stroke is transient, meaning stroke symptoms appear but go away in a few minutes. Because of these ‘fleeting’ symptoms, people may ignore the signs. A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a very serious warning of potential further problems, and you should see seek medical care.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a vascular disorder that occurs when arteries supplying the legs and arms are narrowed or blocked with plaque. Approximately 8 to 10 million people in the US - the majority over the age of 60 - are affected by PAD. The most common symptoms include aching, cramping, pain or fatigue in the calf or thigh, which occurs with walking and stops with rest.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a vascular disorder in which a blood clot forms within a vein. The most common veins to be affected are in the leg. Leg swelling, particularly of the ankle or calf, can occur when DVT develops in the legs because blood return to the heart is impeded by the blockage. This tendency for ankle swelling, or for the development of varicose veins or calf pain, can occur for many years after the development of a DVT.
Aneurysm An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery. Normally, the walls of arteries are thick and muscular, allowing them to withstand a large amount of pressure. Occasionally, however, a weak area develops in the wall. This enables the pressure within the artery to push outward, creating a bulge or ballooned area called an "aneurysm."
Varicose Veins Varicose veins are swollen, purple veins in the legs that are visible under your skin. They are caused by damage to blood vessels close to the surface of your skin, slowed blood flow, or the damage or absence of normal valves in your veins. If the valves are weak or blood flows slowly in the veins, the blood may pool and cause the veins to bulge.
Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. The condition also runs in families. Pregnant women may get varicose veins because of hormonal changes and the extra pressure that the baby puts on the lower pelvic area. Varicose veins may also be caused by being severely overweight or by standing for long periods of time. The Heart & Vascular Institute at Sacred Heart Hospital provides state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services for Vascular Disease.
Diagnostic Options:
Treatment Options:
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