Vascular diseases affect about 42 million patients every year, and over six million cases result in death. Knowing about these diseases can allow early diagnosis, reducing the risk of complications and morbidity associated with them.

So, let’s understand more about vascular diseases.

Vascular Diseases

Vascular disease is an umbrella term for conditions that affect your blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and lymph vessels. They often lead to insufficient blood flow to the tissues, causing various complications.

Some common conditions include:

• Peripheral artery disease (blocked or narrow artery)
• Aneurysms (bulges in blood vessel’s wall)
• Deep vein thrombosis or blood clots
• Varicose veins
• Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)

Causes and Risk Factors

The common causes and risk factors in Indians are

• Atherosclerosis or build-up of plaque in the blood vessels
• Blockage of blood vessels by thrombus or embolus
• Trauma or injury
• Inflammation
• Family history of vascular diseases
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Lack of physical activity
• High cholesterol levels
• Being overweight or obese

Symptoms

Dr. Narendranadh Meda says, “Majority of the individuals with vascular disease have mild or no symptoms at all.

If present, usually the symptom is leg pain while walking, which is known as claudication. Claudication symptoms include cramps or muscle pain in the arms or legs that is more while walking or exercising and disappears after rest.

The location of the pain depends on the narrowed blood vessel. Calf pain is the most common area.

Besides, the severity of pain ranges from mild to excruciating. Severe pain can make it difficult for the patient to walk or do other activities.

Prevention

According to Dr. Narendranadh Meda, vascular diseases are not well understood, and it is crucial to increase their awareness in the Indian population.

For instance, many people may not be aware that untreated vasculitis may cause bleeding in the brain and cause permanent brain damage.

Increased awareness may significantly reduce the deaths associated with vascular diseases.

Dr. Narendranadh Meda also urges people to make the following lifestyle changes to prevent or lower the risk of vascular diseases:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising daily
• Managing cholesterol levels
• Quitting Smoking
• Managing stress through activities such as yoga and meditation
• Maintaining normal body weight

In addition, if someone has a condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is best to follow all the advice and take the medicines as prescribed by the doctors. In most cases, taking care of the risk factors aid in preventing vascular diseases.

In case someone feels they may have vascular disease, it is best to consult their doctor immediately. Early diagnosis prevents complications and progression of the condition.