What are Vascular Conditions? banner

By westgate • August 18, 2021

What are Vascular Conditions?

Vascular conditions occur when there are abnormalities in your veins and arteries that make it difficult or impossible for blood to circulate throughout your body, carrying oxygen to your cells. These abnormalities may be caused by a blood clot, inflammation, plaque build-up (atherosclerosis) or other reasons.

There are different types of vascular problems that affect different areas of your body. For example:

  • When blood flow is restricted to your limbs, this is called Peripheral Vascular Disease
  • When the blood vessels to your brain become plaque-filled, this is called Carotid Artery Disease
  • When your arteries are affected in your heart, this is called Coronary Artery Disease
  • If you have a weak, bulging blood vessel in your aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) that runs through the chest, this is called Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm – if it runs through the abdomen, this is called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
  • If you have damage to your lymph vessels and a buildup of lymph fluid, this is called Lymphatic Vascular Disease

Risk Factors for Vascular Conditions

Your lifestyle and habits may increase your risk of developing vascular conditions in Spartanburg, SC – things like:

  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor diet high in saturated fat
  • Overeating

These lifestyle choices can lead to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure – all conditions that can cause vascular problems. These are decisions that you have the power to get under control to lower your risk.

How to Know if You Have a Vascular Condition

The symptoms of vascular conditions vary greatly – and some vascular conditions do not have any symptoms in the early stages. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away to schedule an appointment. 

  • Chest pain with pressure/squeezing/tightness: CALL 9-1-1 immediately!
  • Pain in the buttocks or legs when walking/exercising
  • Pain in your arms/shoulders/jaw/neck/back
  • Pain in the abdomen/chest/lower back/groin
  • Swelling in the armpits/leg/groin/chest/head/neck
  • 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
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Hoarseness

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 are just feeling a little off, sharing your health concerns with our team of family doctors in Spartanburg could be the proactive step needed toward preventing a heart attack or stroke. Please call (864) 574-0070 or click here to schedule an appointment.