Before we begin: Your vascular system is made up of blood vessels that carry blood to.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about vascular diseases. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What are vascular diseases? Your vascular system is your body’s network of blood vessels. It includes your:
Arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your tissues and organs
Veins, which carry the blood and waste products back to your heart
Capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels that connect your small arteries to your small veins. The walls of the capillaries are thin and leaky, to allow for an exchange of materials between your tissues and blood.
Vascular diseases are conditions which affect your vascular system. They are common and can be serious. Some types include:
Aneurysm - a bulge or “ballooning” in the wall of an artery
Atherosclerosis - a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.
Blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease, diseases that involve the narrowing or blockage of an artery. The cause is usually a buildup of plaque.
Raynaud phenomenon - a disorder that causes the blood vessels to narrow when you are cold or feeling stressed
Stroke - a serious condition that happens when blood flow to your brain stops.
Varicose veins - swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the skin
Vasculitis - inflammation of the blood vessels
What causes vascular diseases? The causes of vascular diseases depend on the specific disease. These causes include:
Genetics
Heart diseases such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure
Infection
Injury
Medicines, including hormones
Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Who is at risk for vascular diseases? The risk factors for vascular diseases can vary, depending on the specific disease. But some of the more common risk factors include:
Age - your risk of some diseases goes up as you get older
Conditions that can affect the heart and blood vessels, such as diabetes or high cholesterol
Family history of vascular or heart diseases
Infection or injury that damages your veins
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Pregnancy
Sitting or standing still for long periods of time
Smoking
What are the symptoms of vascular diseases? The symptoms for each disease are different.
How are vascular diseases diagnosed? To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may have imaging tests and/or blood tests.
How are vascular diseases treated? Which treatment you get depends on which vascular disease you have and how severe it is. Types of treatments for vascular diseases include:
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and getting more exercise
Medicines, such as blood pressure medicines, blood thinners, cholesterol medicines, and clot-dissolving drugs. In some cases, providers use a catheter to send medicine directly to a blood vessel.
Non-surgical procedures, such as angioplasty, stenting, and vein ablation
Surgery
Can vascular diseases be prevented? There are steps you can take to help prevent vascular diseases:
Make healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and getting more exercise
Don’t smoke. If you are already a smoker, talk to your health care provider for help in finding the best way for you to quit.
Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check
If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar
Try not to sit or stand for up long periods of time. If you do need to sit all day, get up and move around every hour or so. If you are traveling on a long trip, you can also wear compression stockings and regularly stretch your legs.
Related topics: Cardiovascular Diseases, Circulatory Disorders, Hemangioma, Veins.
Categories: Blood, Heart and Circulation.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Key Takeaways
Understanding vascular diseases is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.