Overview
Your vascular, or circulatory, system is made of the blood vessels that include arteries, veins and capillaries. They deliver oxygen and nutrients by carrying blood throughout your body. Conditions that affect the vascular system are common.
Vascular disease is the buildup of a sticky substance called plaque in the arteries of your legs, neck or abdomen. This buildup reduces blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It also can cause an aneurysm when the wall of an artery weakens, creating a bulge.
Types of Vascular Disease
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm—when an area of the aorta enlarges, affecting blood supply to the abdomen, pelvis and legs.
- Arterial disease, including peripheral artery disease (PAD)—poor blood flow in the legs.
- Stroke and carotid artery disease—when your carotid arteries, which provide blood to your brain, become narrowed or blocked.
- Venous disease—veins that become diseased or abnormal, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the legs, or inflammation of the walls of a vein (phlebitis).
Your doctor will check for vascular disease based on symptoms, if any, and your medical history. Symptoms vary depending on the type of vascular disease and the part of your body affected. This disease most commonly affects the arteries of the heart, brain, and legs. It can also affect other organs, such as your kidneys and eyes.
Risk Factors for Vascular Disease
- Age (being over 50)
- Diabetes
- Family history of vascular disease (including stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney failure, sudden cardiac death or abdominal aortic aneurysms)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- History of smoking
- Prior heart disease or heart surgery
