Vascular diseases affect the health of the blood vessels throughout the body. Blood vessels make up the circulatory system, which consists of the arteries, veins, and capillaries (small vessels that connect to the veins and arteries).
Some vascular diseases, such as varicose veins, are usually harmless and cause no real health effects. Other forms of vascular disease, including carotid artery disease, blood clots, and aneurysms, can be quite serious. When it comes to treatment, doctors will seek the appropriate therapy for the specific condition.
Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you by evaluating your health status and gauging the severity of your medical condition. However, the following treatments often play a role when it comes to common forms of vascular disease:
DVT causes blood clots to form within the deep veins, which carry blood from the superficial veins to the heart. Blood thinners can be used to prevent existing clots from becoming larger, while thrombolytic drugs are delivered directly to the clot to break it down (thrombolytics are only used for severe cases due to the bleeding risk).
Plaque formation within the carotid arteries, which carry oxygenated blood to the brain, can significantly increase a person’s stroke risk. While surgery is often necessary, doctors can also prescribe blood pressure and cholesterol medications to manage the condition.
Blood clots that develop in the deep veins can sometimes make their way to the lungs and potentially block the flow of blood, thereby causing breathing difficulties and heart palpitations, among other symptoms. Blood thinning medication can stop new clots from forming while also preventing existing clots from becoming larger.
Peripheral artery disease occurs when plaque develops in the extremities, meaning the arms and legs. This can lead to pain when walking or using your arms, as well as symptoms like numbness and problems with sensation. Along with healthy lifestyle changes, doctors often use blood pressure medications, cholesterol drugs, and blood thinners to improve the flow of blood in the extremities. Patients can also receive medication to manage leg pain and control diabetes, which is often a contributing factor to peripheral artery disease.