Also known as the circulatory system, the vascular system is the collection of organs responsible for moving blood throughout the body. This includes the heart, lungs, and miles of arteries and veins/blood vessels.
A vascular condition is when part of this process isn’t functioning properly, affecting blood flow. Let’s discuss some of the most common vascular conditions, including their symptoms and standard treatments.
Smoking, high blood pressure, trauma, or other health factors can cause an aneurysm, or bulge in the artery wall. When this occurs in the aorta (the large blood vessel looping down from the heart and continuing down the torso), it is known as an aortic aneurysm. Thoracic aortic aneurysms happen in the chest, while abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in the lower section of the aorta.
The symptoms of an aortic aneurysm can include pulsing or pain in the abdominal region or back. If this pain is extreme or if you’re experiencing a fast pulse, dizziness, or sweating, you could have a ruptured aneurysm and should call 911. Non-ruptured aortic aneurysms can be treated with medication, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or surgery.
An aortic dissection is when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, causing a weak point. This could be caused by hypertension, pregnancy, trauma, or disease. Patients may notice chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or nausea. Surgery with a stent or graft is usually the best course of action.
Carotid artery disease describes plaque build-up in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the brain. In addition to a stroke or mini stroke, this disease can present as slurring of speech, loss of vision in one eye, or numbness on one side of the body. Treatment is typically an endarterectomy to remove the plaque or angioplasty with stent placement.
When a blood clot or atherosclerosis causes a decrease in oxygenated blood to the stomach and intestines, the condition is called mesenteric ischemia. The blocked section of artery needs to be surgically altered or removed.
PAD describes when there is a plaque buildup in the arteries of the limbs. Since this often happens in the legs or feet, symptoms can include pain or cramping when walking. Additionally, patients might notice a change in skin texture, hair loss, or erectile dysfunction. PAD treatment typically involves adopting a healthier lifestyle, medication, or surgery.
Trauma or a recurring injury to the space between the collarbone and ribs can sometimes result in the compression of the underlying blood vessels and nerves, known as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Your doctor may recommend physical therapy, medication, or surgery for more serious cases.
Venous disease is when the valves in your blood vessels malfunction, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction. This can result in skin ulcers, blood clots, spider veins, and varicose veins. Depending on your symptoms, we may suggest compression stockings or possibly surgical removal.
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Symptoms Requiring Evaluation
Risk Factors
While we’ve hopefully helped you better understand common vascular conditions, your symptoms must be diagnosed and treated by a board-certified cardiologist. At East Bay Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates, our extensive team of providers is well-suited to help at one of our five convenient locations in the East Bay, California.
During your initial consultation, your doctor will carefully listen to your concerns, examine your medical history, and study any information from your primary care provider (if applicable). To better diagnose your condition and more accurately determine your customized treatment plan, he or she might order one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
Vascular treatment costs vary based on condition complexity and individual patient needs. Most medically necessary treatments are insurance-covered, though out-of-pocket expenses depend on your plan’s deductible, co-insurance, and co-payments. We provide detailed estimates after a comprehensive evaluation.
East Bay Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates delivers specialized vascular care through a multidisciplinary approach that sets us apart in the region. Our board-certified vascular surgeons maintain hospital privileges at leading medical centers and collaborate directly with interventional cardiologists, creating integrated treatment plans that address immediate vascular concerns and underlying cardiovascular health.
Our locations include an accredited vascular ultrasound laboratory providing same-day diagnostic testing and immediate treatment planning. The practice combines decades of surgical experience with ongoing research participation and teaching responsibilities, keeping our team current with emerging techniques and technologies.
We use duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, and MR angiography to visualize blood vessels and identify problems. These non-invasive tests provide detailed information about blood flow, vessel structure, and the extent of disease. Our accredited vascular laboratory allows same-day testing and immediate results review.
Treatment durability depends on the specific procedure and individual factors like disease progression and lifestyle habits. Stents typically remain effective for five to 10 years, while bypass grafts can function for 10-15 years or longer with proper care and risk factor management.
Many vascular conditions can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modifications. Smoking cessation, regular exercise, blood pressure control, diabetes management, and cholesterol reduction significantly reduce your risk of developing peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and stroke.
Most patients require long-term medications to prevent blood clots, control blood pressure, and manage cholesterol levels. These medications help maintain treatment success and prevent disease progression in other vessels. We provide detailed medication instructions and monitor for side effects.
Seek immediate medical attention for sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, sudden leg weakness or numbness, loss of pulse in an extremity, sudden speech or vision changes, or severe leg pain with color changes. These symptoms may indicate life-threatening conditions requiring emergency intervention.
If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms related to these vascular conditions and treatments in Danville, our providers at East Bay Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
