Avoid These Artery and Vein Diseases

• By Jennifer Warner | Reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH

Health Threats in Your Arteries and Veins

Many diseases of the arteries and veins cause no symptoms until a potentially deadly problem develops. Serious events occur because both types of blood vessels are vital to the circulation of blood throughout your body. Arteries pump oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body, and veins return the blood to receive oxygen in the lungs. Understanding the health threats that can affect these key vessels will help you protect your health. Read on to learn preventive tips for each of these conditions.

Vein Threat: Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, says Neil Zakai, MD, MSc, an associate professor of medicine in the hematology/oncology division at the University of Vermont in Colchester. Up to 600,000 DVT cases occur each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. Knowing your family history of DVT or any blood clotting disorders can help prevent DVT. Getting up and moving as directed by your doctor after surgery or after sitting for long periods of time can also help reduce DVT risk.


 

Vein Threat: Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and sometimes deadly complication of DVT that happens when a blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. When blood flow to a lung artery is blocked because of pulmonary embolism, your lungs and possibly other organs can be damaged because of low oxygen levels in your blood. Signs include chest pain and coughing up blood, and this condition is often fatal. Preventing pulmonary embolism starts with addressing blood clot risk factors including smoking, use of hormone therapy, obesity and lack of physical activity.

Artery Threat: Stroke

Stroke is one of the most deadly types of vascular disease, and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Stroke Association. A stroke occurs when a clogged or ruptured artery blocks blood flow to the brain; this causes brain cells to die. Keeping your stroke risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes under control reduces the likelihood of stroke. Healthy lifestyle habits — such as eating a healthy diet, limiting salt, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and limiting alcohol — also help prevent stroke.

Artery Threat: Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a common condition, also called hardening of the arteries, affecting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body. The disease causes plaque to accumulate inside the arteries, restricting blood flow. Eventually the arteries can become blocked and cause serious problems like heart attack and stroke. Keeping heart disease risk factors in check by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and reducing stress, can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Taking your medications as prescribed — if needed to reduce cholesterol and keep blood pressure down — is also key to preventing heart attack and stroke from atherosclerosis.

Artery Threat: Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease affects the two large arteries in the neck that supply blood to your brain. This condition increases the risk for stroke, and causes over half of U.S. stroke cases, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Carotid artery disease, which is often linked to atherosclerosis, causes the arteries to become narrowed by the buildup of plaque. Taking medications as prescribed and following a healthy lifestyle to prevent blood clots can reduce the risk for stroke in people with carotid artery disease.

Artery Threat: Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (also called PAD) is also often associated with atherosclerosis, and becomes much more common as we age, affecting about 8 million people in the United States, according to the CDC. In peripheral arterial disease, the arteries farther from the heart, usually in the pelvis and legs, become narrowed because of plaque buildup. Decreased blood flow to the muscles may cause pain and fatigue in the legs, often with exercise or when climbing stairs, Dr. Zakai says. Imaging tests and comparing blood pressure levels in the arms and legs can you’re your doctor detect PAD. Exercise, keeping blood pressure under control, not smoking, keeping a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk for PAD.

Vein Threat: Varicose Veins

“Varicose veins run the gamut from a cosmetic condition to a serious medical problem,” Zakai says. The swollen, purple veins often appear in the women’s legs after pregnancy, as well as in men and women over 40. Surveys estimate that about 20 to 35 million in the United States have the condition, according to the Vascular Disease Foundation. Varicose veins occur when blood pools in the veins because of a problem with the one-way valve that keeps blood flowing back to the heart. If varicose veins cause pain, swelling, burning, or itching, the medical problem needs attention. Staying physically active, as well as keeping your blood pressure and weight down, can help lower your risk of varicose veins.

Vein Threat: Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition that affects up to 20 percent of adults, estimates the Vascular Disease Foundation. This condition is often associated with varicose veins and with deep vein thrombosis. In people with CVI, the veins are blocked or aren’t working properly because of damage to the wall of the veins. The damage causes the veins to pool with blood, especially when standing. Avoiding standing for long periods of time and wearing compression stockings can help reduce blood pooling and risks of CVI.

Artery Threat: Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease, and kills about 380,000 people in the United States each year, the CDC reports. CAD happens when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart due to atherosclerosis. When blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked by CAD, it can cause chest pain (angina), heart attack, heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat known as arrhythmia. Eating a heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium diet and exercising regularly can reduce your risk for CAD. In addition, lower your risks by keeping up with any medications your doctor may have prescribed for blood pressure and cholesterol control.
Read Also - Tuberculosis Diagnosis And Best Treatment