Vascular Disease
To us, even your minor arteries are major
Your vascular system runs your entire body. When something goes wrong, we’re here to help. Our experts who diagnose and treat vascular disease take a comprehensive approach, caring for your heart and vascular system as one.
It’s important to know the risks and signs of some of the most common vascular diseases.
An aneurysm, including an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), happens when a weakened part of the blood vessel expands like a balloon. Because there are often no symptoms, aneurysms are discovered through diagnostic testing and imaging including an X-ray, MRI or CT scan.
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty plaque in your artery walls. This condition increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Some experience pain from atherosclerosis but others see no symptoms.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clots in Veins [VTE])
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot or thrombus forms in a deep vein. It is most often found in the leg, but can appear in the arm or other part of the body. Symptoms include pain, especially deep in the muscle, swelling, aching or tenderness, red or warm skin or fever.
Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clots in Veins [VTE])
A pulmonary embolism starts when part of a clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) breaks off and travels to the lungs, cutting off blood flow. It’s important to call 911 immediately if you have any of these symptoms: chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing (may cough up blood), fainting, fast heartbeat or sweating.
Carotid artery disease refers to the narrowing of the carotid artery due to plaque buildup. This damaging of the arteries can lead to stroke if untreated. Symptoms include shortness of breath, palpitations (irregular heart beats, skipped beats, or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest), weakness or dizziness, nausea or sweating.
Lymphedema occurs when the flow of lymph fluid is disrupted, which can lead to swelling of small vessels around the body.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), happens when blood flow through the arteries is reduced because of plaque buildup, often occurring in the legs and feet. Symptoms include leg pain, sometimes while walking, cool skin, loss of hair on legs or thinning of the skin on legs.
Varicose veins are veins in the legs that bulge or look twisted. Symptoms include legs that ache or swell, feel heavy and tired, or like they’re burning.
The same factors that cause heart disease can make you more likely to have a stroke. It’s important to call 911 right away if you display any stroke symptoms, which can include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing, sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination, or sudden, severe headache with no known cause.