Vascular disease

Vascular disease is a broad term that includes a number of diseases that affect the arteries, veins, or small vessels, all of which can have serious effects on your overall health and wellness. At Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins in Miami, Florida, Enrique Hernandez, MD, is an experienced vascular medicine specialist who uses advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques to provide comprehensive vascular disease care. To determine the best treatment for your disease, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is vascular disease?

Vascular disease is any disease that affects the health or function of your veins (blood vessels that carry blood to the heart), arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the rest of your body), or smaller vessels (connect veins and arteries). 

What are the most common types of vascular disease?

The most common types of vascular disease include:

• Atherosclerosis: hardening of the arteries as a result of plaque buildup
• Coronary artery disease (CAD): affects the major arteries near the heart
• Carotid artery disease: affects one or both of the major arteries carrying blood to the brain
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): affects arteries other than the coronary or carotid arteries
• Renal artery disease: affects the arteries that supply the kidneys with blood
• Aneurysm: weakened, bulging areas that occur in arteries
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): associated with clot formation in the vessels located deep inside the body
• Lymphedema: causes fluids to build up in the tissues

Because every organ and tissue in the body depends on good circulation to provide nutrients and oxygen and to carry away wastes, vascular diseases can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness.

What are the symptoms of vascular disease?

The symptoms associated with vascular disease can vary depending on the blood vessels that are affected. You may experience: 

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or numbness in a leg or arm
• Swelling in a hand or foot 

Sometimes, the vascular disease causes no symptoms until a serious and even life-threatening event like a heart attack or a stroke occurs. Being evaluated for vascular disease is an important part of staying healthy, especially as you get older. 

Am I at risk for vascular disease? 

The vascular disease tends to occur more commonly among people with a family history of the disease and have risk factors such as: 

• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Obesity 
• Diabetes 
• History of smoking 
• History of heavy alcohol consumption
• Poor diet 

Some genetic disorders can also cause vascular disease. 

How is vascular disease treated?

Some types of vascular disease improve with conservative treatments like lifestyle changes, and many improve with medications. However, if your symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary to repair an affected vessel or bypass it. 

Your provider at Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins can help determine the best and most appropriate treatment based on the severity of your condition. 

To get an evaluation and treatment for vascular disease, call Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins or request an appointment online today.