| Diseases of the Arteries
The main disease of the artery is atherosclerosis, commonly known as "hardening of the arteries." This happens when fatty plaque builds up along the inside of the blood vessel causing blood flow to slow down to the arms, legs, brain, or other organs. Symptoms occur as a result of the decrease in blood flow to the affected area.
| AFFECTED AREA |
SYMPTOMS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS |
| Legs |
Muscle tiredness (fatigue in the calf, thigh, buttocks) or cramping when walking, sores that won't heal, cramping in the top of the foot at night |
| Arms |
Muscle tiredness (fatigue) with repeated movement of the arm |
| Brain |
Weakness, tingling, numbness in arms, legs, or face, slurred speech, inability to speak |
| Intestine |
Abdominal (stomach) pain 30 - 45 minutes after every meal |
Aneurysms may also develop in arteries. These occur mostly in the abdomen (stomach area) and are caused when an artery begins to expand like a balloon. The wall of the artery may become very thin and may break. Most aneurysms cause no symptoms. A growing aneurysm may cause pressure on other organs causing symptoms such as feeling full after even small meals. It may also cause back pain and/or abdominal pain, especially when leaking. Ruptured or broken aneurysms cause sudden, sharp pain and will result in death if not treated right away.
Diseases of the Veins
Varicose veins are the most common disease of the veins. These occur when a vein dilates and becomes twisted. They produce bluish, twisting, ropey veins mainly in the legs, though they can occur in other veins, too. They can cause itching, pain, burning and swelling.
Blood clots can also form in the veins. These can be deep or superficial (near the skin) and are named by their location. In a deep vein it is called a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. As a result of a DVT, the arm or leg can swell and be painful. If a part of the clot breaks off, this can move into the heart and lungs causing shortness of breath, and sometimes, death. This is called a pulmonary embolism. A superficial vein thrombosis can be painful, red and cause swelling but does not lead to pulmonary embolism. However, whether located close to the skin or deep, blood clots should be treated as soon as possible.
Venous insufficiency occurs when the valves inside a vein are damaged causing decrease in blood return to the heart. This occurs more often in the legs and causes swelling. This may be a hereditary condition or as a result of a previous blood clot. |
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.
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