Vascular Disease

Phone Numbers

Cardiovascular Services

(803) 791-2053

Vascular Disease Screenings

(803) 461-8980

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Main Campus
(803) 791-2621

LMC Lexington
(803) 358-6180

Are you at risk for heart disease?

If you are a male age 45 or older or a female age 55 or older, ask yourself these questions:

Do you have high cholesterol?
Do you smoke?
Do you have diabetes?
Do you have high blood pressure?
Do you have a family history of heart disease (father or brother affected before age 55; mother or sister affected before age 65)?
Are you overweight?
Are you physically inactive?

If you answered yes to two or more questions, make an appointment with your personal physician to discuss assessment and preventive measures that could save your life.

Caring for Vascular Disease

Know the warning signs that may indicate a problem.
See your doctor regularly.
If you smoke or use tobacco in any form, quit. Nicotine damages the inside of your vessels and makes it easier for blockages to form.
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, keep them under control.
If you have high cholesterol, eat a low-fat diet and follow your doctor's orders if taking medications.
If you have heart disease or a family history of heart disease, know the symptoms of vascular disease and get routine checkups with your doctor.
If anyone in your family has had an abdominal aneurysm (aneurysm located in the belly), get routine checkups with your doctor and have an ultrasound of the area by age 50.
If you have pain, swelling or dilated veins in the arms or legs, see your doctor for further tests.
If you do not have a family doctor and have any symptoms that might be caused by vascular disease, please call (803) 461-8980 for a free screening
Additional testing may be necessary if disease is found by screening. Treatment options include medications, exercise and, sometimes, surgery. Your physician can discuss these options with you if you are found to have vascular disease.

What is Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease is defined as a disease of the blood vessels. There are two main types of blood vessels: arteries carry blood from the heart to the brain, arms, legs and other organs; veins return blood to the heart from these areas.

Diseases of the Arteries

Atheroscierosis

The main disease of the artery is atherosclerosis, also known as "hardening of the arteries." This happens when fatty plaque builds up along the inside of the blood vessel, slowing down the blood flow to the arms, legs, brain or other organs. Symptoms occur as a result of the decrease in blood flow to the affected area.

Aneurysms

Arteries may develop aneurysms.. The wall of the artery may become very thin and may break. Most aneurysms have no symptoms. A growing aneurysm may cause pressure on other organs, and may also cause back pain and/or abdominal pain, especially when leaking. Ruptured or broken aneurysms cause sudden, sharp pain and result in death if not treated right away.

Diseases of the Veins

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, the most common disease of the veins, occur when a vein dilates and becomes twisted, producing bluish, twisting, ropey veins mainly in the legs, and may cause itching, pain, burning and swelling.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clots can also form in the veins, either deep or superficial (near the skin), and are named by their location. In a deep vein it is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and results in the arm or leg swelling and becoming painful. If part of the clot breaks off, it can move into the heart and lungs, causing shortness of breath and, sometimes, death (known as a pulmonary embolism).

Superficial Vein Thrombosis

A superficial vein thrombosis can be painful and red, and may cause swelling but does not lead to pulmonary embolism. All blood clots should be treated as soon as possible.

Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency occurs when the valves inside a vein, most often in the legs, are damaged causing a decrease in blood return to the heart, which causes swelling. This may be a hereditary condition or the result of a previous blood clot.