Limiting Risk Can Help Prevent Need for Vascular Surgery

Written By: Sara Loch

Vascular disease is a condition that usually affects arteries, veins, and blood flow.  It can affect any part of your body and many different body systems, so often vascular surgery or other treatments are necessary for vascular disease.

Causes of conditions that require vascular surgery DC

Vascular disease is usually when blood vessels become damaged or blocked; or when valves in veins are damaged.  Sometimes the cause is unknown, but sometimes the following things can lead to the need for vascular surgery DC:

• Atherosclerosis: This is a buildup of plaque in the lining of an artery.  It can progress quickly, but is usually a slow, progressive disease that can thicken the artery walls.  This thickening can lead to decreased blood flow or can block the flow of blood.
• Blood clots: A blood vessel can be blocked by an embolus (a tiny mass of debris that moves through the blood stream) or a thrombus (a blood clot).
• Inflammation: Inflammation of blood vessels can lead to narrowing and blockage.
• Trauma or injury: Blood vessels can require vascular surgery Washington DC after being narrowed or blocked by an injury that leads to infection or inflammation.
• Genetic: Certain conditions of the vascular system are inherited.

Managing risk for vascular disease

Some risk factors for vascular disease cannot be changed.  Other risks may be medically managed to reduce the risk that you will need a vascular surgery center Washington DC.  For example, smoking can help speed up the progression of atherosclerosis.  Quitting smoking can reduce the risk that you will someday require vascular surgery DC.  Another risk factor for conditions that can lead to vein surgery DC is diabetes.  Like smoking, diabetes speeds up the progression of atherosclerosis and the narrowing of arteries.  Your doctor can tell you the best way to manage your diabetes and lower your chances of undergoing vascular surgery Washington DC.  In some cases, diabetes can be managed with diet and exercise alone, but sometimes you doctor will also prescribe medication.

Vascular disease can affect all many vital body systems, including the respiratory system, digestive system, kidneys, and urinary system.  Contact a vascular surgery center Washington DC (such as www.medstarwashington.org) if you are at risk.