Patient Education

Patient Education

Vascular Disease: A Silent Killer

Imagine having a life-threatening condition and not even knowing it. That’s how vascular disease strikes—impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans with little or no warning. For most, the condition shows no symptoms and may go undetected until a life-changing event occurs. Not only is it a leading cause of death, vascular disease also contributes to the incidence of chronic disability, stroke and amputation.

Are You at Risk?

You may want to be screened for vascular disease if you:

• Are age 60 or older (especially men)
• Have high blood pressure
• Have high blood cholesterol
• Are a smoker
• Have diabetes
• Have a family history of vascular disease
• Have had previous heart or leg treatments or stroke

Understanding Vascular Disease

The vascular system is a network of blood vessels—including all of your arteries and veins—that circulates blood to and from the heart and lungs. Vascular disease occurs when these blood vessels become smaller and slow down the normal flow of blood. As a result, the body does not get the oxygen or nutrients it needs, causing serious damage to the skin, muscles and organs.

Some of the most common vascular diseases include peripheral artery disease (PAD), known as hardening
of the arteries; aortic aneurysm, dangerous weakening and enlargement of the aorta; and carotid artery disease, a precursor to stroke caused by the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels that lead to the brain. Vascular surgeons also treat other circulatory disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous disease and varicose veins.