Vascular disease is a general term that refers to any condition that affects the arteries and veins of the body. Arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, while veins carry carbon dioxide-rich blood back to the heart. Vascular diseases can affect any blood vessel in the body but are most commonly seen in the arteries of the heart (coronary artery disease) and brain (cerebrovascular disease), as well as the veins of the legs (venous insufficiency). Yonkers vascular center specializes in diagnosing and treating vascular diseases.
While there are many different types of vascular diseases, some of the most common conditions that are treated at a vascular center include:
1) Atherosclerosis
It is a condition in which plaque builds upon the walls of the arteries, narrowing and hardening them. It can lead to a decrease in blood flow and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
2) Aortic aneurysms
This is a condition in which the aorta wall (the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body) weakens and bulges. This can cause the aorta to rupture, which is life-threatening.
3) Deep vein thrombosis
This is a condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the body’s deep veins, usually in the legs. It can cause pain, swelling, and an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to the lungs).
4) Peripheral artery disease
It is a condition in which plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the limbs. This can cause pain, cramping, and decreased blood flow to the affected limb.
5) Venous insufficiency
This is a condition in which the valves in the veins that allow blood to flow back to the heart are damaged. It can cause blood to pool in the veins, causing pain, swelling, and skin ulcers.
6) Chronic venous insufficiency
A condition in which the valves in the veins that allow blood to flow back to the heart are damaged. This can cause chronic swelling, pain, and skin ulcers.
7) Spider veins
Spider veins are small, twisted veins that are visible through the skin. They are usually harmless but can sometimes be painful. They can also be a cosmetic concern for some people.
These centers offer a wide range of diagnostic tests and treatments for vascular diseases. Diagnostic tests may include ultrasounds, MRI scans, CT scans, angiograms, and arteriograms. These tests allow doctors to look at the blood vessels and identify any abnormalities. Treatment options at a vascular center may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, and interventional procedures.
- Lifestyle changes that can help improve vascular health include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing diabetes and other chronic conditions.
- Medications used to treat vascular diseases include anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, cholesterol-lowering medications, and vasodilators.
- Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat vascular diseases. Procedures that may be performed include angioplasty, stenting, bypass surgery, and endarterectomy.
- Interventional procedures are minimally invasive treatments that can be used to treat vascular diseases. These procedures include angioplasty, stenting, and thrombolysis.
Vascular disease is a common condition that can lead to serious health complications. If you think you may be at risk for vascular disease, make an appointment with Premier Vascularand speak to a vascular specialist.
