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Tag: Carotid Arteries

Why do I need a vascular surgeon?

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Why do I need a vascular surgeon?

 

Vascular Disease:

If you have been diagnosed with vascular diseases such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, aneurysms, or carotid artery disease, a vascular surgeon specializes in the treatment of these conditions.

Circulation Problems:

If you experience symptoms related to poor blood circulation, such as leg pain or cramping during walking or at rest, non-healing wounds or ulcers, or coldness in your extremities, a vascular surgeon can evaluate and provide appropriate treatment options.

Vascular Trauma:

In cases of traumatic injuries that involve blood vessels, such as a severe laceration or damage to arteries or veins, a vascular surgeon can perform surgical procedures to repair and restore blood flow.

Aortic Aneurysm:

If you have an abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm, which is a weakened and bulging area in the aorta, the main blood vessel in your body, a vascular surgeon may perform surgery to repair or replace the affected segment to prevent the risk of rupture.

Endovascular Procedures:

Vascular surgeons are trained in minimally invasive endovascular techniques, such as angioplasty, stenting, and embolization, to treat various vascular conditions. These procedures involve using catheters and imaging guidance to access and treat the affected blood vessels from within.

Vascular Access:

If you require long-term dialysis, a vascular surgeon can create and manage vascular access points, such as arteriovenous fistulas or grafts, to allow repeated access to your blood vessels.

With many years of extensive vascular experience, Western Vascular Institute’s providers are able to provide unparalleled diagnosis & management for all venous & vascular diseases as well as exceptional patient care.

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Diabetes and Vascular Disease

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Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Understanding the Connection and Taking Control

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While most individuals are aware of the impact of diabetes on blood sugar control, many may not fully understand the profound effect it can have on the vascular system. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing various vascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of managing the condition effectively. Let’s delve into the connection between diabetes and vascular disease and explore strategies to minimize its impact.

Understanding the Link:

Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, which can damage blood vessels over time. The persistently high levels of glucose in the bloodstream can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the vessel walls, causing a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a significant contributor to various vascular diseases, including:

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):

Diabetes increases the risk of developing PAD, which affects the blood vessels supplying the legs and feet. Reduced blood flow to the lower extremities can result in pain, slow wound healing, and an increased risk of infections and amputations.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):

Individuals with diabetes are more prone to CAD, a condition that affects the blood vessels supplying the heart. Narrowed or blocked arteries can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.

Stroke:

Diabetes raises the risk of stroke by accelerating the development of atherosclerosis in the arteries supplying the brain. A clot or rupture in these arteries can result in a stroke, causing lasting damage or even death.

Diabetic Retinopathy:

The blood vessels in the retina can be damaged by diabetes, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This condition can cause vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.

Diabetic Nephropathy:

High blood glucose levels can impair the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products, leading to diabetic nephropathy. It is a progressive kidney disease that can eventually result in kidney failure.

Managing Diabetes and Vascular Disease:

While the connection between diabetes and vascular disease may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risks. Here are some strategies to manage diabetes and minimize the impact on the vascular system:

Maintain Blood Sugar Levels:

Consistently monitoring and managing blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and appropriate medication or insulin therapy is crucial. Keeping blood glucose within target ranges helps minimize damage to blood vessels.

Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol:

High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels further contribute to vascular disease. Regular monitoring and effective management of these factors through lifestyle modifications and medications are essential.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:

Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, to improve circulation and maintain a healthy weight. Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting sugary and processed foods.

Quit Smoking:

Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of vascular disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial steps individuals with diabetes can take to protect their vascular health.

Regular Check-ups:

Maintain regular check-ups with healthcare professionals to monitor blood sugar control, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall vascular health. Early detection and intervention can prevent or minimize the progression of vascular diseases.

Diabetes and vascular disease are intricately linked, underscoring the importance of proactive management. By effectively managing blood sugar levels, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking regular medical care, individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of developing or worsening vascular disease. Empower yourself with knowledge, take control of your diabetes, and prioritize your vascular health for a better quality of life.

 

What Causes A Stroke?

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What Causes A Stroke?

 

Type of Stroke:

Ischemic stroke – occurs when blood vessel blockage prevents blood flow to the brain due to a plaque build-up in the carotid arteries.

Hemorrhagic stroke – occurs when the vessel ruptures inside of the brain and bleeds.

Transient Ischemic stroke or TIA – is a temporary blockage or mini-stroke which can cause permanent damage and are a sign of more severe stroke in the future.

Like Peripheral Arterial/Vascular Disease, Carotid Artery Disease is a narrowed blood flow through the vessel. This narrowing or blocked vessel becomes occluded by fatty deposits of plaque built up along the vessel wall leading to atherosclerotic disease. The Carotid artery is the primary source of blood to your brain. Therefore, a narrowing or blockage in the carotid artery is a serious complication and requires thorough and appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Stroke Symptoms:

Many people with Carotid Artery Disease do not experience symptoms even with quite a bit of arterial blockage. Generally, this condition is found after the patient experiences a stroke or by a routine patient examination.

Stroke Causes:

Generally, Carotid Artery Disease is caused by atherosclerosis, where a build-up of plaque in the arteries reduces the flow of blood or blocks the flow entirely. This lack of blood flow and reduced oxygen supply to the brain can lead to stroke.

Stroke Risk Factors include:

Sedentary lifestyle, Overweight obesity, Diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, Family history, high fat diet, and age above 75 are all factors.

Stroke Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of Carotid Artery Disease is generally diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history. Your physician will also most likely be looking for a (bruit) swooshing sound in the carotid artery that is indicative of a narrowed artery. A Carotid Artery duplex ultrasound scan will also be performed to assess the flow of blood through the artery as well as the pressure.

Stroke Treatments:

The reason for the treatment of carotid artery disease is to reduce or mitigate the possibility of stroke.

For mild blockage:

Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, losing weight, and quitting smoking are all ways that patients themselves can manage the disease and reduce the chance of blockage and stroke.

Medication management:

Medications may be given to lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood and lower your blood pressure. Additionally, blood thinner medications may be given to prevent blood clots.

Surgical intervention for stroke prevention:

Carotid endarterectomy – generally performed when there is a blockage of 50% or above accompanied by symptoms such as a stroke.

TCAR – Western Vascular Institute is pioneering the use of a breakthrough technology called TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) to treat patients with carotid artery disease who are at risk for open surgery. While any repair of the carotid artery carries some risk of causing a stroke because of the repair itself, TCAR was designed to help minimize that risk by keeping potential stroke-causing fragments away from the brain.

Carotid angioplasty/stenting – This procedure is performed to treat narrowed or occluded carotid arteries. In this procedure, the Vascular Surgeon inserts a wire through the groin and guided via X-ray imaging to the carotid artery. Once there, the balloon is placed to expand the narrowed section, and a stent is left in place afterward to maintain the vessel diameter and allow the blood to flow through the artery.