Vascular Patient Information

Vascular disease is caused by inflammation and weakness of the veins and arteries – and by the build up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels.

The accumulation of these deposits happens over a long period of time and can be virtually symptomless until the arteries and veins become so damaged, the blood flow to vital organs and muscles is compromised and causes lack of mobility, pain and tissue death. Vascular disease is the most common precursor to coronary heart disease and heart attack, it also causes stroke by affecting the arteries in your neck.

One of the most common forms of vascular disease is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is when the arteries in your legs are affected. It is estimated that 9% of the population suffer from PAD, which causes painful legs when walking, ulceration and amputation.

15 MINUTES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

Vascular Patient Information

Vascular disease is caused by inflammation and weakness of the veins and arteries – and by the build up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels.

The accumulation of these deposits happens over a long period of time and can be virtually symptomless until the arteries and veins become so damaged, the blood flow to vital organs and muscles is compromised and causes lack of mobility, pain and tissue death. Vascular disease is the most common precursor to coronary heart disease and heart attack, it also causes stroke by affecting the arteries in your neck.

One of the most common forms of vascular disease is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is when the arteries in your legs are affected. It is estimated that 9% of the population suffer from PAD, which causes painful legs when walking, ulceration and amputation.

15 MINUTES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

What are the risk factors of vascular disease?

The Exact Cause Of Atherosclerosis Is Unknown, But Several Risk Factors Accelerate The Formation Of Fatty Deposits In The Arteries:

  • Being Male
  • Family History Of Vascular Disease, Angina, Heart Attacks Or Stroke
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Being Overweight
  • High Cholesterol Levels
  • An Unhealthy Diet
  • Lack Of Exercise
  • Stress

To minimize your risks, follow our hints and tips for a healthy diet and active, healthy lifestyle online, or download a PDF for ongoing reference to help you change bad habits and improve your vascular health.

Want to know more?

We have more information on the circulatory system, ways of preventing vascular disease and we also have detailed information on specific types of vascular disease and their treatments, as listed on the left of the screen. You can view information online, email it to someone you know or download a PDF.

Useful links:

The NHS Choices website is the biggest health website, providing both patients and healthcare professionals with a wide range of high quality health information. NHS Choices is a certified member of the Information Standard as a producer of reliable health and social care information.

What are the risk factors of vascular disease?

The Exact Cause Of Atherosclerosis Is Unknown, But Several Risk Factors Accelerate The Formation Of Fatty Deposits In The Arteries:

  • Being Male
  • Family History Of Vascular Disease, Angina, Heart Attacks Or Stroke
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Being Overweight
  • High Cholesterol Levels
  • An Unhealthy Diet
  • Lack Of Exercise
  • Stress

To minimize your risks, follow our hints and tips for a healthy diet and active, healthy lifestyle online, or download a PDF for ongoing reference to help you change bad habits and improve your vascular health.

Want to know more?

We have more information on the circulatory system, ways of preventing vascular disease and we also have detailed information on specific types of vascular disease and their treatments, as listed on the left of the screen. You can view information online, email it to someone you know or download a PDF.

Useful links:

The NHS Choices website is the biggest health website, providing both patients and healthcare professionals with a wide range of high quality health information. NHS Choices is a certified member of the Information Standard as a producer of reliable health and social care information.