Vascular disease results mainly from the hardening of arteries that is caused by thickening of its lining. In such a condition, arteries get narrow and this results in an inadequate supply of blood for satisfying the demand of the tissues. Vascular disease may have various forms. Peripheral arterial disease afflict those arteries which deliver blood to the legs and the arms, carotid artery disease acts on those arteries which deliver blood to the brain, and renal artery disease restricts the blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in hypertension or high blood pressure, renal failure or renal insufficiency. Vascular disease can affect any person. In many cases the susceptibility to vascular disease may be genetic, but it is worth emphasizing that some other risk factors, such as increased cholesterol, smoking and sedentary lifestyle are still within our control.
As in the case of numerous illnesses and health conditions, precluding vascular disease should start with nutrition. A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fiber and at the same time - low in sugar, saturated fats and cholesterol significantly reduces the risk of developing vascular disease or any other type of heart disease.
Obviously, genetic factor cannot be disregarded because if somebody has a family history of heart attack, stroke, angina or vascular disease — is most prone to suffer from this illness. However, even in such a case, systematic check-ups from the doctor should help.
Smoking is another factor. It not only causes a threat of vascular diseases, but it may also pose all kinds of heart diseases. At present, according to scientific advancements, lots of people realize that smoking is a meaningful risk factor for vascular diseases, including stroke, lower extremity vascular disease and aortic aneurysms and carotid artery disease. The smoking of tobacco significantly increases the amount of build-up or blockage in arteries and at the same time decreases the supply of oxygen to the tissues. A substantial lack of blood flowing to the legs may cause gangrene which results in amputation of all or part of the limb.
High blood pressure or hypertension is the most significant and noticeable symptom of hypertensive vascular disease. A diseased vasculature predisposes a person to further hypertension, and thereby to further vascular disease. High consumption of salt is mainly responsible for hypertension. In cases in which somebody has a family history related to vascular diseases, excess intake of salt should be avoided.
Exercise is often recommended to patients suffering from vascular diseases. Training programs show their effectiveness in changes such as improved peripheral utilization of oxygen or oxidative metabolic capacity. It results in greater functional capacity for less cardiac effort. It is observed that blood flow increases during and after active physical exertion. Therefore, exercise is invaluable in preventing vascular diseases, as in case of other diseases.
Diabetes is also one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This condition distinctly boosts the risk of developing coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial disease. Medical management stated that optimizing glucose control is fundamental. Cardiovascular doctors must be aware of the serious relationship between vascular disease and diabetes and they have to be prepared to offer suitable medical and interventional treatment to diminish disability and death in these sufferers.
One of the crucial risk factors related to vascular disease is high cholesterol level. Its presence in blood strongly increases person’s risk of developing vascular disease. If it’s high, it builds up in walls of the arteries. With lapse of time this buildup results in the hardening of arteries i.e. a vascular disease. Then, this condition makes arteries to become narrowed. This slows down the blood flow to the heart. And this is why the level of cholesterol should always be controlled by eating healthy foods or food containing a low level of cholesterol.
Obesity and overweight are also meaningful risk factors for the disease. Reducing weight helps people in staying away from the vascular disease and numerous other aliments. Getting rid of overweight requires changing of behaviour, physical activity, and above all changes in diet. Thus, people have to reduce the intake of salt and enrich the diet in fibre, fresh fruit and vegetables.
It is better to prevent than to cure. Changes in lifestyles, consuming nutritious foods, increasing physical activities, and quitting of smoking can really prevent the vascular disease. Preventive approach to the problem is really worth emphasizing.
