Vascular disease refers to the inflammation and pain of blood and lymph vessels. The deposits of fatty substances in blood vessels leads to narrowing of the cavity and hampers blood flow. Individuals with a family history of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure are more likely to develop vascular diseases. Unhealthy food habits, inactive lifestyle and smoking are other contributing factors.
Vascular disease is characterized by formation of plaque inside the vessels which in turn reduces the blood flow to respective body parts. Depending on the type of vessels in which plaque formation occurs, vascular diseases can be categorized into peripheral artery diseases, coronary diseases and venous disease.
Vascular diseases often lead to heart failure, impotency and coronary heart disease. Plaque formation in vessels is asymptomatic in initial stages and exhibits observable symptoms only when the blood and/or lymph vessels are seriously damaged.
Symptoms
- Frequent muscle cramps in limbs
- Coldness in the lower leg
- Numbness
- Reduced mobility
- Generalized body pain
Diagnosis And Treatment
Doctors may diagnose vascular disease by physical examination and certain tests are recommended including blood tests, ankle brachial index, ultrasound and angiography.
Adopting healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, quitting smoking and certain cholesterol lowering medications are also prescribed to treat minor vascular disease. Severe cases of vascular diseases are surgically treated by angioplasty and bypass surgery.
