What is Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the network of blood vessels in your body, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. These vessels are crucial for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients to all your organs and tissues. When these vessels become diseased, it can lead to a variety of serious health problems by disrupting normal blood flow.

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What Is Vascular Screening?

Vascular screening is a medical procedure used to assess the health of your blood vessels, specifically to detect early signs of vascular diseases that could lead to serious complications like stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease. Early detection through screening can help manage risks and prevent more severe health issues down the road.

Vascular screening refers to tests and exams designed to evaluate the condition of blood vessels and identify potential problems. These screenings focus on detecting abnormalities in arteries and veins, such as blockages, narrowing, or weakening of vessel walls. Vascular diseases like atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and diabetic small vessel disease.

Who Should Get Vascular Screening?

Certain individuals may be at a higher risk for vascular diseases and should consider getting screened. These include:

  1. People with a Family History of Vascular Disease: If close relatives have had conditions like heart disease, stroke, or aneurysms, you may have an increased risk.

  2. Individuals Over 50: Risk increases as you age, so people over 50, especially those with other risk factors, should consider regular screenings.

  3. Tobacco Smokers: Smoking is a major risk factor for vascular diseases because it damages blood vessels and promotes plaque buildup.

  4. People with High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Hypertension can weaken the walls of blood vessels and contribute to artery blockages, making regular screenings important.

  5. People with Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the walls of the small blood vessels of the foot.

  6. People with High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque formation in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

  7. Obese Individuals: Obesity is a contributing factor to a variety of vascular conditions, including atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Common Types of Vascular Screenings

There are several types of vascular screenings available, depending on what conditions your doctor suspects or what your risk factors are. Here are some of the most common types:

  1. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test: This is a non-invasive test used to measure the blood flow in the legs. It compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm to detect signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

  2. Toe-Brachial Index (TBI): The Toe-Brachial Index (TBI) is a non-invasive diagnostic test used to assess blood flow to the feet, particularly in individuals where the standard Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) may be less reliable due to calcified or non-compressible arteries, often seen in patients with diabetes or advanced kidney disease. It is calculated by measuring the systolic blood pressure in the big toe (using a small cuff and a sensor) and dividing it by the higher of the two systolic blood pressures measured in the arms (brachial pressure). A lower TBI ratio generally indicates reduced arterial blood flow to the foot, suggesting the presence and severity of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in the lower extremities.

  3. Doppler Ultrasound: A Doppler ultrasound measures the blood flow through arteries and veins. It can identify blockages, narrowing, or poor circulation in different parts of the body.

  4. CT Angiography or MR Angiography: In severe cases of arterial disease, these are advanced imaging tests that provide detailed pictures of blood vessels throughout the body. They help detect blockages, aneurysms, and other vascular issues.

Benefits of Vascular Screening

  1. Early Detection: By screening your circulation, your doctor can determine your risk of forming a hard-to-heal wound. They can also determine if you have adequate blood flow to heal a foot wound.

  2. Risk Reduction: Early identification of issues such as high cholesterol, hypertension, or artery blockages allows for interventions that can lower the risk of serious health events like heart attacks, strokes, or amputations.

  3. Prevention: Through vascular screening, you can work with your doctor to make lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, increasing exercise, and controlling blood pressure or cholesterol. These changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing vascular diseases. If vascular diseases are found, screening can help guide treatment decisions, from lifestyle changes to medications or even surgical interventions, to prevent further complications. We can have an informed basis to refer to the appropriate interventional specialist.

Vascular screening is an important step in maintaining vascular health, especially for those at higher risk of developing arterial problems. It can detect potentially serious issues before they lead to life-threatening conditions, allowing for timely treatment and lifestyle changes. If you’re at risk for vascular disease, talk to your healthcare provider about whether vascular screening is right for you. Regular checkups and screenings are key to preventing severe complications and maintaining long-term health.