What Is Vascular Disease?

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Vascular disease affects your cardiovascular system. The heart and blood vessels are essential to this system of the body. Veins and arteries are the names of the blood vessels which move blood to and from the heart. They help transport oxygen and important nutrients to all parts of the body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. Veins bring oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. Understanding the difference between veins and arteries is important to know how the body works.

Difference Between Veins and Arteries

One part of the circulatory system involves blood going from the heart to the lungs. The lungs are where blood drops off carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen for the body to use. The second part is how blood travels in a closed circuit throughout the body. Arteries and veins are the blood vessels that transport nutrients, while capillaries connect the two.

Arteries: There are two types of arteries: elastic and muscular. Elastic arteries near the heart widen to allow more blood flow. Muscular arteries have a smooth layer of muscle that delivers blood to tissues. Arteries have thicker walls than veins and can handle higher blood pressure.
Veins: Veins have thinner and less elastic layers than arteries. However, they can hold a lot of blood at lower pressure. Unlike arteries, veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. The pulmonary veins are the only veins in the body that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart. Systemic veins carry deoxygenated blood from all body parts back to the heart.
Capillaries: Capillaries are the smallest vessels that exchange nutrients and waste between blood, cells and tissues. Blood then flows from the smallest veins, called venules, into larger veins.

How Do Veins and Arteries Work Together?

The circulatory system looks like a tree. The aorta is the largest artery and main trunk connecting all the branches. Blood with lots of oxygen moves from the heart through the arteries. It then gets to the capillaries and goes to each cell in the body. Afterward, it returns back to the heart through veins. Veins carry blood without oxygen back to the heart, moving continuously all over the body. Even though veins and arteries are different, they work together to supply the body with oxygen.

Common Vascular and Arterial Conditions

When a person has an issue with their blood circulation, the doctor may recommend they see a vascular surgeon. Vascular surgeons might also work with other doctors; for example, when nerves are affected by reduced blood flow, they may work with a neurologist. The job of the vascular surgeon can change depending on how serious the problem is. They may suggest lifestyle changes or surgery. Patients can manage pain, treatment response and worsening conditions by working closely with a vascular surgeon.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a stretched and bulging area of the aorta that occurs when the artery wall is weakened or swollen. Some risk factors include a history of atherosclerosis, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, vascular disease and smoking in people above 50. If an aneurysm gets too big, it can rupture and cause severe problems.

Symptoms: Many people do not initially have symptoms but may eventually experience sudden, severe abdominal or back pain.
Treatment: Depending on the size of the AAA, health care providers may recommend an ultrasound test every 6-12 months. If an AAA grows quickly or is larger than 5 cm, it may require surgery. Vascular surgeons can start with a less invasive treatment to reinforce the artery wall with a small device. Open surgery may be necessary to place an artificial graft on the affected area to prevent the AAA from rupturing.

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Disease occurs when plaque creates a narrowing or blockage in the arteries that take blood from the heart to the brain. This condition can cause a blood clot to form and move to the brain, causing a stroke. There are approximately 700,000 strokes a year, and they are the cause of 1 in every 15 deaths.

Symptoms: Some people may not feel or dismiss symptoms when they occur briefly. On the other hand, others might experience a ringing in their ears or dizziness. Signs of a stroke are feeling weak on one side, confusion, trouble seeing, poor balance and coordination, walking problems and severe headaches. But the first sign of a stroke could be the stroke itself.
Treatment: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating the right foods and exercising can decrease artery disease risk. Surgery is an option if the blood vessel is narrow (more than 60%).

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when blood cannot freely flow to the extremities, often due to plaque in the arteries. When there is concern about PAD, there is a likelihood of more artery disease throughout the body. Talking with a vascular surgeon is beneficial to prevent worsening artery disease.

Symptoms: Most people do not have symptoms right away. If there are symptoms, they may include weakness or tired legs, difficulty with balance or pain with walking. Pain may be a tight, aching or squeezing pain in the calf, foot, thigh or buttocks. Pain is usually worse with activity; however, if the pain occurs even at rest, it can indicate worsening PAD.
Treatments: The doctor may prescribe medicine to make the blood flow easier. If this does not work, a vascular doctor might do a procedure called an angioplasty or stent to help get the blood flowing. These treatments help manage symptoms and attempt to prevent further blockages from occurring.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a vein condition that affects the lower extremities. With CVI, valves in the vein may be damaged or not working correctly. Blood clots that develop in the legs or arms may obstruct blood flow, and cause blood to pool. Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. They mainly develop around the legs and ankles. Varicose veins affect 1 in 3 adults, typically developing into CVR in people over 50.

Symptoms: Most symptoms are mild, which makes it common for patients to dismiss them. There may be swelling and pain in the affected arms or legs. There could be noticeable skin changes, such as darkening or open sores. When pooling occurs in superficial veins, then varicose veins are visible. Varicose veins may cause warmth, heaviness or pain.
Treatments: Compression stockings can help blood flow through veins. Keep the legs higher than the heart so the blood doesn’t stay in one place for too long. A doctor might suggest an endovenous thermal ablation, which uses radiofrequency waves to close the vein. In some cases, surgery might be needed.

Potential Causes of Vascular Disease

Vascular disease is a condition that affects many people in the United States. If it is not treated, it can cause health problems like less blood flow to body parts, leading to nerve damage, ulcers and infections. It can also damage organs or shut them down. Some things that increase the potential of having this problem are risk factors and certain medical conditions, including:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Being overweight or obese
Eating unhealthy foods
Drinking alcohol
Inactive lifestyle
Pregnancy
Birth control
Family history of vascular disease

Ways to Prevent Vascular Disease

Although they can be difficult, lifestyle changes are the best way to avoid vascular disease.

Stick to a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat or nonfat dairy foods. Limit salt, alcohol and sweets.
Stay at a healthy weight, and lose weight if needed.
Do not smoke. Smoking can quickly worsen vascular diseases.
Exercise regularly. Ask the doctor what type and level of activity is safe.
Manage other health problems. A healthy lifestyle and medicines can help manage other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.

It is clear that veins and arteries have important roles. While medication and surgery may be necessary for some conditions, good lifestyle choices are also essential to keep veins and arteries working correctly. Taking preventive measures now will help in the long run to continue a healthy lifestyle into old age. After all, these vessels are what keep people going daily.