What is Vascular Disease?

It is not just "poor circulation." Vascular disease comes in various forms: peripheral arterial disease affects the arteries taking blood to the arms and the legs, carotid artery disease affects the arteries taking blood to the brain, and renal artery disease limits the blood flow to the kidneys, causing high blood pressure (hypertension) or renal insufficiency (renal failure). Arterial disease is most often caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). When atherosclerosis develops, the normally smooth linings of the arteries become narrow and rough from the buildup of plaque, which is made up of cholesterol and calcium deposits. The plaque buildup does two things:

  • In the carotid arteries, it can cause the formation of blood clots, which can block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.
  • It may, over time, narrow the arteries to the extent that they are blocked, cutting off blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, stomach and legs.

Common Vascular Disorders
Symptoms for Different Vascular Diseases
Risk Factors for Vascular Disease
How Can You Lower Your Own Risk Factors?

Common Vascular Disorders

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - The largest blood vessel in the body, the aorta, can weaken and burst because of disease or inherited conditions. The weakened area enlarges and is known as an aneurysm. An enlargement is considered an aneurysm when it is 1.5 times the size of the blood vessel. There also are aneurysms of other blood vessels.

Carotid Artery Disease - The large carotid arteries on each side of the neck that deliver blood to the brain can become blocked by the buildup of plaque. This can cause a variety of symptoms and lead to stroke.

Renal Artery Disease - A blockage of the renal (kidney) arteries can lead to poor kidney function and high blood pressure.

Mesenteric Artery Disease-The blood flow to the abdomen (belly area) can be blocked by atherosclerosis. This blockage can lead to abdominal pain and serious problems with the function of the intestines.

Peripheral Artery Disease - Deposits of plaque on the walls of the arteries that take blood to the legs and arms can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and can cause leg pain.

Venous Disease - For a number of reasons, veins can become inflamed and blocked, particularly those in the legs. The condition can cause difficulty in walking, leg ulcers, further swelling and pain.

back to the top


Symptoms for Different Vascular Diseases

(Patients with any of these disorders may have no symptoms):

  • Peripheral Artery Disease
    • Leg pain with exercise
    • Leg swelling
    • Weakness or tiredness in the legs
    • Sores on feet or legs that won't heal
  • Carotid Artery Disease
    • Temporary loss of vision in one eye, or blurred or double vision
    • Confusion
    • Loss of balance or coordination
    • Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
    • Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
    • Change in ability to use arms and legs
    • History of stroke
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
    • Often no symptoms
    • Dizziness
    • Sudden onset of abdominal or back pain
  • Renal Artery Disease
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Acute renal (kidney) failure
  • Mesenteric Artery Disease
    • Abdominal pain, especially after eating
    • Unwanted weight loss
  • Venous disease
    • Leg swelling
    • Sores on lower legs that do not heal
    • Leg pain
    • Varicose veins

back to the top

Risk Factors for Vascular Disease

  • Cigarette smoking is the #1 risk factor for developing vascular disease
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Blockages in arteries caused by elevated levels of the protein homocysteine in the blood
  • High cholesterol and lipids
  • Heart disease
  • High-stress lifestyle
  • Older than age 50
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • High blood pressure

back to the top

How Can You Lower Your Own Risk Factors?

Vascular disease is a major health problem in the United States. The more you know about vascular disease and what causes it, the better you can address the problem and work to lower your chances of getting it. Staff members of the UVa Vascular Services Care Unit can provide education and counseling on reducing your risk factors. The best way to lower your risk of developing vascular disease is to:

  • Stop smoking
  • Maintain your management of diabetes, if you have the disease, with diet and medications
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain a healthy diet (heart healthy, low sodium)
  • Tell your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of vascular disease.
  • Control your blood pressure, with diet or medications
  • Lower blood cholesterol levels, if elevated, with diet or medication

back to the top