The Basics of Vascular Disease

Vascular disease occurs when the arteries that supply the hands and feet become clogged with a fatty substance and close up, hindering blood flow.

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Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries in the extremities become clogged with a fatty substance called plaque.
Your Blood's Amazing Trip through Your Vascular System
Your vascular system is made up of vessels that carry your blood throughout your body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart.
Three Most Prominent Vascular Diseases
Most Americans are familiar with heart disease and the consequences of blockages, but few realize that blockages affect more than coronary arteries

Peripheral Artery Disease
It isn’t only accidents and wars that result in amputations; peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can lead to loss of a leg.
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
People with peripheral artery disease (PAD) may or may not have symptoms. Because of silent symptoms, many cases of PAD go undiagnosed.
Risk Factors
The most important risk factors for PAD and intermittent claudication are the same as the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Diagnosis
Evidence suggests that PAD is greatly under diagnosed. Many patients do not report symptoms, or may not even have symptoms.
Complications
Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have the same risk of death from heart events or stroke as people with heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is one of the three most prominent vascular diseases, but how much do you really know about this condition?
Smoking is a Major Risk Factor for Vascular Disease
The impact of smoking on cancer has been widely promoted, but its relationship to vascular disease is less known to the public.
High Cholesterol a Threat to the Entire Vascular System (Not Just Heart Vessels)
Everyone understands the importance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels to protect their heart, but many are not aware that high cholesterol levels threaten their entire vascular system.