Vascular Services
What is Vascular Disease
Your vascular system is made up of arteries and veins. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body and veins return oxygen-poor blood back to your heart. As we age, our arteries may build up with plaque and cholesterol and become stiff and narrow. The result is restricted blood flow, which can lead to serious problems such as stroke.
What You Can Do to Prevent Vascular Disease
You can make positive lifestyle changes to improve your vascular health. Many people associate these recommendations with heart health, but they also play an important role in maintaining healthy veins and arteries:
- Stop smoking
- Eat a low fat diet
- Maintain good cholesterol levels
- Keep your blood pressure in normal range
- Exercise regularly
Risk Factors for Vascular Disease
If you are 55 or older, particularly if you have a family history of vascular disease, you should ask your primary care physician about vascular screening, even if you have no symptoms. Other risk factors for vascular disease include:
- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Long Periods of Sitting or Standing Still
Learn more about the most common vascular conditions—their symptoms and recommended treatments:
Early Detection is Key To Effective Treatment
Vascular surgeons at The Medical Center are board-certified specialists in the treatment and prevention of vascular disease. Working with you and your primary care physician, your specialist will recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or other medical treatment. Patients who are diagnosed and treated early for vascular disease can often avoid serious, long-term problems.
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