Vascular diseases, as the name suggests, are ailments of blood vessels. These vessels are responsible for carrying oxygen to the rest of the body, but they become constricted due to the presence of fat and cholesterol. It restricts the flow of blood and makes it challenging for the vessels to maintain circulation.
These diseases affect arteries, veins, and capillaries and can range from mild conditions to serious and life-threatening conditions. People who are prone to vascular diseases because of excessive smoking, high blood pressure and unhealthy diet should know about these ailments. Understanding the symptoms can help in early detection and undergoing endovascular treatment in Sydney. So, here are the different types of vascular diseases and their symptoms to help you avoid the problem.
Different Types of Vascular Diseases and Their Symptoms
Vascular diseases can affect either the arteries or the veins. Let us look at their different forms and signs to identify them quickly.
1. Atherosclerosis
One of the common vascular ailments is atherosclerosis. It is known to create a build-up of plaque (fat and cholesterol) inside the arteries, which causes tightening and hardening of the blood vessels. It restricts the blood flow and leads to complications like heart attacks and strokes.
Symptoms: Patients suffering from atherosclerosis suffer from chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, leg pain while walking, and numbness or weakness in limbs.
2. Aneurysms
Sydney endovascular experts are known to treat aneurysms with minimally invasive procedures. The disease involves the formation of bulges in weakened areas of blood vessel walls. It can affect various parts of the body, such as the aorta (aortic aneurysm) or the brain (cerebral aneurysm).
Symptoms: Aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until they rupture. The symptoms of this problem include severe pain, pulsating sensation in the abdomen, back pain, and changes in vision or speech if the person is suffering from a cerebral aneurysm.
3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral Artery Disease is a type of atherosclerosis that affects the arteries supplying the legs and feet.
Symptoms: The patients can feel leg pain or cramps while doing physical activity. It involves slow wound healing, cold or pale limbs, and weak or absent pulses in the extremities.
4. Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Pulmonary Embolism is a blood clot that moves to the lungs and blocks blood flow, leading to breathing problems.
Symptoms: It can be detected by unexpected shortness of breath, chest pain that becomes worse with deep breathing or coughing, accelerated heart rate, and coughing up blood.
5. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis is characterised by the creation of blood clots in deep veins, usually in the legs. If the clot breaks loose and goes to the lungs, it can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms: The problem can be identified by swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected leg. It usually starts in the calf. Other symptoms include warm or reddish skin.
6. Varicose Veins
People suffering from varicose veins have large and twisted veins in the legs. They are not problematic but can affect the appearance of your legs and cause discomfort.
Symptoms: These are recognised as bulging, blue or dark purple veins. Its symptoms include aching or heavy feeling in the legs, muscle cramping, and swelling.
7. Vasculitis
This disease leads to the inflammation of blood vessels. It affects small or large blood vessels and could be the result of an autoimmune condition or infection.
Symptoms: Patients suffering from vasculitis can show symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and organ-specific symptoms.
8. Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's Disease causes blood vessels to become constricted due to cold or stress, which causes reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes.
Symptoms: People suffering from Raynaud's Disease can see their fingers and toes turning white, then blue, and finally red when warming up. It also leads to numbness, tingling, and pain.
9. Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
When the blood vessels become entangled abnormally in any part of the body, the person suffers from AVMs.
Symptoms: The symptoms depend on the location and size of the AVMs. They include pain, swelling, skin discolouration, and bleeding.
Wrapping Up
People who are at high risk of developing vascular problems must know that early detection and
endovascular treatment in Sydney are crucial for managing vascular diseases and preventing complications. If you have been experiencing any symptoms mentioned above, you must consult an endovascular surgeon immediately.
23 Aug, 2023
