3 Things to Do for National Vascular Disease Awareness Month
September is National Vascular Disease Awareness Month. This year, our team of expert providers at Vein Institute is here to discuss vascular disease 一 which includes many different types of vein diseases 一 and what you can do to prevent and treat vein diseases.
Below, we share three things you can do for National Vascular Disease Awareness Month.
1. Learn More About Vascular Disease
Vascular disease isn’t just a singular disease. It’s actually a category of diseases that affect your circulatory system. They include:
Arterial disease, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and carotid artery disease
Hypertension
Stroke
Venous disease, including varicose veins and spider veins
Blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and superficial thrombophlebitis
Vascular diseases can affect any blood vessel (including arteries, veins, and capillaries). In reviewing the extensive list of vascular diseases, it’s worth noting that some vascular diseases contribute to the leading causes of death.
Are you at risk?
Vascular diseases can affect people of all ages, genders, but certain risk factors can increase your risk of developing a vascular problem. Some of the common risk factors for vascular disease include:
Age
Having a family history of any type of vascular disease
Being overweight or obese
Leading an inactive lifestyle
Having underlying health conditions
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, increases your risk of certain vascular disease, such as PAD.
How are vascular diseases treated?
Because vascular diseases can affect any part of your circulatory system, how they’re treated 一 and who they’re treated by 一 can vary quite a bit. For example, vascular diseases that affect your heart require the care of a cardiologist.
But what about vascular diseases that affect your veins? That’s where we come into the picture. Our team works to prevent, diagnose, and treat venous diseases, such as varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous ulcers, and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Your treatment plan is shaped by the type of venous disease you have and the severity of it. Some venous diseases respond well to lifestyle modifications, such as exercising and wearing compression stockings.
Here at Vein Institute, our team offers the following treatments for varicose veins in our Fairfield, Newtown, and Shelton, Connecticut offices:
In some cases, you may also benefit from prescription medication, but this can vary depending on what type of venous disease you have.
2. Get Active!
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for any type of vascular disease, but thankfully, this is a risk factor that’s within your control. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week, and it doesn't need to be intense either. Even walking around your neighborhood is good for your vascular system.
Try a new activity to squeeze more activity into your day:
Dancing
Hiking 一 there are many good hiking trails in Connecticut and nearby states
Aerobics classes
Biking
3. Learn How to Spot the Signs of Vascular Disease
One of the most important aspects of Vascular Disease Awareness Month is that increased awareness can lead to quicker interventions. Treating vascular diseases at the first sign of trouble can help you reduce your risk of complications down the road.
If you notice any of these tell-tale signs of a venous disease, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation.
Do you notice:
Discolored, bulging or twisted veins?
That your legs feel heavy or achy?
That your toes, feet, or legs always feel like they’re on pins and needles?
Flare-ups of restless legs?
Any swelling, tenderness, and warmth (which can be signs of a blood clot)?
Ready to take a stand against vascular disease? Call the nearest Vein Institute location or book your appointment online.
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