Angiology: Open Access
Open Access

Vascular Diseases and Their Conditions

Lei Yi^{* *}Correspondence: Lei Yi, Department of Burn, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China, Email:

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Description

Vascular disease refers to any condition that affects the blood vessels, which are the tubes that carry blood throughout the body. Vascular disease can affect any part of the body, including the heart, brain, legs, arms, and abdomen. There are several different types of vascular diseases, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a common type of vascular disease that occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. Plaque is a mixture of cholesterol, fat, and other substances that can accumulate in the arteries by narrowing the opening, and restricting the blood flow. Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that can develop over many years and can eventually lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. The risk factors for atherosclerosis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Treatment for atherosclerosis typically involves lifestyle modifications, such as improving diet and exercise habits, quitting smoking, and taking medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage or bypass the affected area.

Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a type of vascular disease that affects the arteries in the legs, arms, or abdomen. PAD occur when the arteries become narrowed or blocked, and restricting the blood flow to the affected area. The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, although other factors such as inflammation, blood clots, and injury can also be the causes for the development of the condition. The symptoms of PAD can vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. In some cases, people with mild PAD may not experience any symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may become more noticeable and may include pain or cramping in the legs or arms, numbness or weakness in the affected area, non-healing ulcers or sores, and coldness or discoloration of the skin.

Aortic aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere along the length of the aorta, but they most commonly occur in the abdominal area. Aortic aneurysms can be caused by atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, genetic factors, or injury, and they can be life-threatening if they rupture. The symptoms of an aortic aneurysm may include a pulsating sensation in the abdomen, back or flank pain, and sometimes a sense of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, and the aneurysm may be detected during routine imaging studies. Diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT or MRI angiography, or echocardiography. Treatment for an aortic aneurysm may involve surgery to repair or replace the damaged area of the aorta, or monitoring the aneurysm to ensure it does not rupture.

Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency happens when the veins in the legs prevent the blood to flow back to the heart. In normal conditions the valves of the veins typically ensure that blood flows towards the heart. But, when these valves don’t work properly, blood can also flow in the opposite direction. Blood may accumulate (pool) in the legs as a result of this. There may be swelling in the legs or ankles, a tight sensation in the calves, or itchy, uncomfortable legs as signs of chronic venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is diagnosed with a Duplex ultrasound imaging test and medical history. This examines the vein structure and blood flow in the legs. It examines the blood vessel's blood flow speed and direction.

Conclusion

Actions which are taken to help prevent vascular diseases are, adopt healthy lifestyle adjustments, such as taking a heart-healthy diet and increasing regular physical activity. Avoid smoking. If the person is already having the habit of smoking, consult with the healthcare physician to determine the most effective method to stop. The person should maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. People with diabetes should control their blood sugar levels. Do not sit or stand for long periods of time. If the person have to spend the entire day sitting, it’s better to get up and walk for every hour. Moreover, if the person is taking a lengthy trip, they should stretch their legs frequently and also can wear compression stockings.