Expert Care for Vascular Conditions
Disorders and diseases that affect your arteries, veins, and other blood vessels are generally described as vascular conditions. Some vascular conditions, like blood clots, are severe and even life threatening. Other problems — spider veins, for example — pose no real medical threat.
Vascular problems can be acute or chronic. Acute means they come on suddenly and go away quickly with treatment. Chronic vascular problems develop over time and require ongoing treatment. Many vascular conditions can be prevented or treated.
Dignity Health has experienced doctors who specialize in the treatment of vascular conditions in the Bay Area. Find a Doctor today to receive expert care.
Identifying Symptoms of Vascular Disease
Many diseases are known to affect blood vessels. Depending on the condition affecting you, you may experience symptoms ranging from mild pain or fatigue to trouble breathing. The exact symptoms will depend on the specific arteries or veins involved.
Problems that affect your entire vascular (circulatory) system are called “systemic” vascular conditions. Vasculitis, the inflammation of your blood vessels, is one example.
Other vascular conditions include:
- Aortic aneurysms
- Blood clots and other occlusions
- Carotid artery disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Chronic venous insufficiency — varicose veins or spider veins
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Lymphedema
- Pelvic venous congestion syndrome
- Renal (kidney) artery stenosis
- Temporal (giant cell) arteritis
- Vascular dementia
Why Do Vascular Problems Occur?
Genetic abnormalities, structural problems with blood vessels, and several other underlying medical problems can cause a vascular condition to develop. If you have a family history of a certain vascular disease, you may be at a higher risk to develop that specific condition. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can also increase your risk.
Goals of Treatment for Vascular Conditions
Your Dignity Health doctor will create an individualized treatment plan based on the severity of your condition and your overall health. The goals of treatment depend on the specific condition, and range from preventing complications, relieving symptoms, or slowing the progression of your vascular disorder.
Engaging in a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and getting regular exercise, can help prevent or slow the progression of your disease.
Dignity Health offers advanced diagnostic protocols and knowledgeable care for a range of vascular conditions in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.
