Vascular Disease Questions: Symptoms, Testing and Care

Overview

Vascular disease affects your circulatory system and can cause a stroke or other serious complications if left untreated. At Washington Vascular Specialists, with locations in Takoma Park, Largo, and Frederick, Maryland, Mubashar Choudry, MD, and his expert team offer vascular disease treatments to help prevent serious medical problems and optimize your quality of life. Request an appointment over the phone or online today to learn more.

Vascular disease Q & A

What is vascular disease?

Vascular disease is a condition that affects your circulatory system – your veins, arteries, and lymph vessels. Examples of vascular diseases include:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Atherosclerosis
• Aneurysm
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Raynaud’s disease
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Vasculitis
• Stroke
• Varicose veins
• Renal or carotid artery disease

Vascular disease can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. You might not experience symptoms with the disease, which is why getting screened for it if you’re at risk is important.

What are the symptoms of vascular disease?

If you have symptoms of vascular disease, you might notice:

• Numbness, weakness, or coldness
• Painful muscle cramping
• Toe or foot sores
• A weak pulse
• Hair, skin, or nail changes

Risk factors for developing vascular disease include genetics, family history of vascular disease, heart disease, diabetes, infection, and older age. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and standing or sitting for long periods can also boost your risk.

How is vascular disease diagnosed?

To diagnose vascular disease, Dr. Choudry and his team review your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical exam and may use blood tests, ultrasound, or other imaging procedures to make a final diagnosis.

How is vascular disease treated?

Your personalized treatment plan is based on the type of vascular disease you have. Your provider might recommend:

Lifestyle changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and not smoking, can lower your risk of vascular disease complications.

Chronic disease management

Controlling diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and other chronic conditions can improve vascular disease or prevent serious complications.

Medications

Some medications, such as blood thinners, cholesterol medications, blood pressure-lowering medicines, and clot-dissolving drugs, can improve your condition.

Non-surgical procedures

Stenting, vein ablation, and angioplasty are examples of non-surgical vascular disease treatments.

Surgical procedures

The team at Washington Vascular Specialists recommends noninvasive options whenever possible, but understands the importance of surgical procedures in severe cases of vascular disease.

Don’t let vascular disease go undetected and untreated. Request an appointment with Washington Vascular Specialists by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.

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