Vascular Disease Overview

Posted: Feb. 1, 2008

Vascular disease is disease of the blood vessels, and it typically occurs when a fatty material called plaque builds up on the inside walls of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the head, internal organs and limbs.

The buildup of plaque on the artery walls is called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to narrow or become blocked, which can reduce or block blood flow. One form of vascular disease is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which most commonly affects blood flow to the legs.

Blocked blood flow can cause pain and numbness. It also can increase a person's chance of getting an infection, and it can make it difficult for the person's body to fight the infection. If severe enough, blocked blood flow can cause tissue death (gangrene). PAD is the leading cause of leg amputation.

Atherosclerosis can affect arteries anywhere in the body, including the arteries that carry blood to the heart and brain. When atherosclerosis affects the arteries of the heart, it is called coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD can cause a heart attack. If atherosclerosis is in the limbs, it also is likely to be in the coronary arteries.

When atherosclerosis affects the major arteries supplying the brain, it is called carotid artery disease. Carotid artery disease can cause a stroke.

A person with PAD has a six to seven times greater risk of CAD, heart attack, stroke, or transient ischemic attack ("mini stroke") than the rest of the population. If a person has heart disease, he or she has a 1 in 3 chance of having blocked arteries in the legs. Early diagnosis and treatment of PAD, including screening high-risk individuals, are important to prevent disability and save lives. PAD treatment may stop the disease from progressing and reduce the risk of heart attack, heart disease and stroke.

Although vascular disease is serious, it is treatable. The buildup of plaque in the arteries can often be stopped or reversed with dietary changes, exercise, and efforts to lower high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. In some patients, blood flow in the vessels may be improved by medicines or surgery.


Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

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