What is vascular disease? – Midland Daily News

Constantinos Constantinou

Constantinos Constantinou

Constantinos Constantinou

Constantinos Constantinou

What is vascular disease?

Most people are familiar with heart disease, where there are blockages in the vessels carrying blood to and from the heart. Few realize, however, that blockages caused by a buildup of plaque and cholesterol affect more than the coronary arteries. Arteries throughout the body carry oxygen rich blood away from the heart, so blockages can occur in all arteries with serious effects, such as vascular disease.

Q. What are some of the most common vascular diseases?

A. Three common vascular diseases are abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and carotid artery disease.

Q. Who should see a vascular surgeon?

A. A vascular surgeon treats patients with all forms of vascular disease, including those with aneurysms in the chest, abdomen or extremities; PAD; carotid artery disease or other blockages that may cause a stroke; kidney failure; and varicose veins, spider veins or leg ulcers caused by venous disease.

Q. What kind of testing is performed to determine if I have vascular disease?

A. There are many different examinations that assist in diagnosing vascular disease, including bruit, or a sound heard in the neck, a carotid ultrasound or CT scan to identify stroke-like symptoms or an aneurysm, or a Doppler study.

Q. What types of treatment are available for vascular disease?

A. Most often, vascular surgeons will start with diet and exercise modifications, as well as medication, as the first step in treating vascular disease. Common medications used for patients with vascular disease are statins. Studies have shown that patients taking statins can reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, in particular by reducing high cholesterol. In addition, patients with hardening of the arteries in the legs and brain benefited from taking statins.

Q. Who is a good candidate for vascular surgery?

A. If nonsurgical management of your condition hasn't worked, surgery may be an option. Your health care provider can help you decide if you might be a good candidate for surgery based on your diagnosis and other health and lifestyle factors.

Constantinos Constantinou, M.D., is a vascular surgeon at MidMichigan Health.

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What is vascular disease? - Midland Daily News