What is vascular disease?
Vascular disease is the collective term for diseases affecting the arteries and veins.
Did you know?
- Every part of the body that receives blood can be affected by vascular disease.
- Vascular disease is as common as cancer and heart disease and accounts for around 40% of deaths in the UK, many of which are preventable.
- Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
- Other risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and increasing age.
- A common symptom of PAD is pain or cramping in the legs when walking that improves with rest.
- Some people with PAD may not experience any symptoms.
- Other possible signs of poor circulation include cold or numb legs or feet, changes in skin colour, and wounds or ulcers that are slow to heal.
- Regular exercise and stopping smoking can help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of vascular problems getting worse.
Protect your vascular health
You can help look after your circulation by:
✔ Not smoking
✔ Keeping physically active
✔ Eating a healthy, balanced diet
✔ Maintaining a healthy weight
✔ Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
✔ Attending your NHS Health Check when invited
Vascular disease can sometimes have no symptoms
Some vascular conditions, including an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), may not cause noticeable symptoms. This is why screening and awareness can be so important.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling or bulge in the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart through the body.
In England:
- Men are automatically invited for NHS AAA screening during the year they turn 65.
- The screening involves a quick and painless ultrasound scan of the abdomen.
- The scan usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
- Screening can help identify an aneurysm before it causes serious problems.
Most AAAs do not cause symptoms. However, possible symptoms can include:
- Persistent tummy or back pain
- A pulsing sensation in the tummy
- A lump in the abdomen
ALL INFORMATION FROM CIRCULATIONFOUNDATION & NHSUK