What are the Symptoms of Vascular Problems?
In the human anatomy, the word vascular refers to vessels that carry blood throughout your body. If there is any internal damage to your blood vessels or arteries, different parts of your body will not receive adequate blood flow. This damage can be caused by:
- Inflammation
- Blood clots
- Atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in your arteries)
- Genetics
There are different types of vascular diseases – some have obvious symptoms while others do not. If you are at a high risk of developing vascular disease due to obesity, smoking, diabetes, inactivity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc., it’s important to talk with your doctor and take proactive measures to reduce your risk. A vascular problem could lead to a sudden, life-threatening heart attack or stroke.
Again, not all vascular diseases have symptoms. However, if you are experiencing any of the following occurrences, contact a doctor right away.
Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms
Restriction of blood flow to your limbs.
- Pain in the buttocks or legs when walking/exercising
- Pale/blue skin
- Persistent sores on toes/feet/legs
- Burning pain when lying down
- Wounds that do not heal
- Inability to grow leg hair or toenails
- Thick, opaque toenails
- Cooler skin temperature
- Thin/brittle skin
- Numbness
- Gangrene
- Impotence
Coronary Artery Disease
Arthrosclerosis in the arteries that supply blood to your heart.
- Chest pain
- Pain in your arms/shoulders/jaw/neck/back
- Weakness and fatigue
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Weakened, bulging blood vessel in the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) that runs through the chest.
- Sudden, severe pain in the chest/back/jaw/neck
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Weakened, bulging blood vessel in the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) that runs through the abdomen.
- Pain in the abdomen/chest/lower back/groin
- Pulsating heartbeat sensation in the abdomen
Lymphatic Vascular Disease
Damage to the lymph vessels that can cause a buildup of lymph fluid.
- Swelling in the armpits/leg/groin/chest/head/neck
- Weakness
- Pain
- Red skin
- Feeling of fullness in the affected area
If you are experiencing any symptoms of vascular problems in Spartanburg, SC, contact the team at Westgate Family Physicians right away to schedule an appointment. Even if you just aren’t feeling right, sharing your health concerns with our team of family doctors in Spartanburg could be the proactive step toward preventing a heart attack or stroke. Please call (864) 574-0070 or click here to schedule an appointment.