Learn About Vascular Disease Symptoms
The vascular system has the incredibly important job of transporting oxygen-rich blood from your heart to various organs and parts of the body. At Arizona Vein and Laser Institute, we’ve dedicated our practice to helping those in the Phoenix, AZ metro area understand the vascular system’s importance and offer comprehensive treatments and procedures for various diseases. If you have vascular concerns, contact one of our six locations today.
What Is a Vascular Disease?
There are different types of vascular diseases, and each one has various symptoms and complications for the body. What they all have in common is they impact the arteries and veins in the body and hamper healthy blood flow. Sometimes this is due to blood clots, inflammation of arteries, and even genetics. The most common cause of the disease is cholesterol plaque that builds up on the walls of arteries, narrowing the passage of blood flow and sometimes blocking the artery altogether. Risk factors for high cholesterol, plaque buildup, and vascular diseases include:
- Diets high in saturated fat
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A sedentary lifestyle
Carotid Artery Disease and Symptoms
The carotid artery is responsible for carrying healthy blood to the face and brain. When cholesterol plaque builds up on the carotid artery walls, a person develops carotid artery disease, which constricts blood flow to the brain and can lead to severe health episodes, such as a stroke. We perform angioplasty to help open narrow or blocked carotid arteries in patients with this disease. While a blockage or stroke can seem to come on suddenly, there are some symptoms to be aware of:
- Sudden loss of or blurred vision
- Weakness or tingling on one side of the face
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Loss of balance or trouble walking
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Sudden, severe headaches
Peripheral Vascular Disease and Symptoms
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) occurs when blood flow to the extremities is constricted and includes many circulatory diseases. This can cause problems with the arms and legs, but heart attacks are also a danger because of blood clots that can form. PVD doesn’t always come with symptoms, but those who do experience symptoms will have:
- Pain in the thigh, calf, or buttocks when walking
- Pale or blueish skin
- Weak pulse in legs or feet
- Sores on feet, toes, and legs that take a long time to heal
- Varicose veins
- Numbness or weakness in muscles
Peripheral Artery Disease and Symptoms
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a specific type of PVD that only affects the extremities’ arteries that are transporting oxygen-rich blood to the arms and legs. When there is a blockage or shortage of this blood flow due to plaque buildup, patients will experience pain when walking, cramping, and swelling. Treatment options include angioplasty and atherectomy.
Do You Have Vascular Disease Symptoms?
If you’re concerned about your health and are showing any symptoms of vascular diseases, contact the doctors at Arizona Vein and Laser Institute. With six convenient locations in the Phoenix, AZ metro area, we have endovascular specialists available to meet with you, discuss your health concerns, and provide a complete screening for vascular disease and your overall health. Call today.
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My legs haven’t felt this good in years! They were so painful and heavy. I’m ready to go dancing! The staff and Dr. Sharma are amazing. Very professional and knowledgeable. Thank you so much!
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I heard many great things about Dr. Sharma so I referred my mother here. She was suffering from severe leg pain, burning pains, heaviness, leg cramps that would wake her at night and severe lumpy varicose veins. She would complain of severe fatigue and that her legs always itched. She was unable to be on her feet for very long. Now my mother feels amazing! She said for the first time in years she’s been able to sleep through a complete night without being woken up by her cramps. She now feels like she can be more active and her legs feel lighter. She was very pleased with the result and the staff.
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I’ve known Dr Sharma for over 4 years and I’ve discovered a number of great qualities about him and his practice. My has a family history of Phlebitis which the vein inflammation that causes pain and discomfort on the legs, as well as the arms. Because of the experience and passion Dr. Sharma shows in his daily practice we will be using him in the future. The staff @ Arizona Vein Laser institute also expresses his same passion. Charles G.
