Individuals at a higher risk for stroke or vascular disease often share common health issues and lifestyle factors. Key risk factors include lifestyle choices that significantly contribute to the likelihood of experiencing issues with blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord, making awareness and management of these factors crucial for prevention.
Vascular diseases affect blood vessels in various ways, increasing your risk of stroke. Special screenings are available to detect these issues and help you get the treatment that you need. Vascular Surgical Associates in Evansville, IN, offers comprehensive screenings and minimally invasive treatments, ensuring personalized care with advanced imaging for optimal outcomes and quicker recovery.
Common Types of Vascular Disease
Vascular diseases encompass a range of conditions affecting the blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Some common types stem from plaque buildup in arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This includes peripheral artery disease, affecting blood flow to limbs, and carotid artery disease, which can increase stroke risk, as well as aortic aneurysms.
Carotid Artery Disease (CAD)
Carotid artery disease (CAD) is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries, which are the main blood vessels supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain. CAD often develops silently over time, with no apparent symptoms in its early stages.
Early warning signs include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Severe headaches
- Vision problems
- Dizziness
As the arteries become increasingly constricted, the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) rises significantly. TIAs are temporary disruptions of blood flow to the brain, while strokes occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen for a longer period, causing brain cell death.
Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications and medications. Vascular surgical procedures like carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting may also be recommended depending on the severity of the condition.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Like CAD, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition characterized by narrowed or blocked peripheral arteries, which are blood vessels outside the heart. PAD most commonly affects the lower extremities, but can also occur in the arms.
Symptoms may include:
- Leg pain or cramping during exercise (claudication)
- Cold feet
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Slow-healing sores on the toes or feet
However, many people with PAD experience no symptoms at all.
The condition often indicates systemic atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. As these arteries narrow, blood flow to the limbs, especially the legs and feet, is reduced.
Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by an abnormal bulge or enlargement in the wall of the aorta, the body’s main artery. This bulge occurs when a weak area in the aortic wall expands due to the constant pressure of blood flow.
Aortic aneurysms can develop in two main locations: the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm) or the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm). Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the more common of the two.
Typically, aortic aneurysms grow slowly and without symptoms, making them difficult to detect. They become dangerous when they reach a size that puts them at risk of rupturing or dissecting, which can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Diagnosis often occurs incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions. Treatment depends on the aneurysm’s size and growth rate, ranging from regular monitoring for small aneurysms to surgical intervention for larger ones. Early detection through screening, particularly for high-risk individuals, is crucial for effective management and prevention of potentially fatal complications.
Are You at Risk for a Stroke, PAD, or Aneurysm?
Certain medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and genetics can influence a person’s risk of having a stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
You might be at a higher risk for developing vascular diseases if you:
- Are over the age of 60
- Have high cholesterol
- Have high blood pressure
- Are overweight
- Are diabetic
- Have smoked or currently smoke, or chew tobacco
- Have a family history of hardening of the arteries or vascular diseases
If you have any of these, you could be at an increased risk of having a stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or peripheral arterial disease. It’s recommended to have a screening to assess the health of your arteries and veins.
Vascular Screenings
At Vascular Surgical Associates, we offer comprehensive vascular screenings for three specific conditions:
- Carotid artery disease
- Peripheral arterial aneurysm
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
These screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of potentially life-threatening vascular issues. The cost of individual screenings is $35, but you can opt for all three screenings for $100.
CAD screenings
CAD screenings use ultrasound to assess the health of the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain. It’s a non-invasive procedure that factors that may increase your risk of stroke, such as:
- Fatty deposits
- Narrowing
- Blockages
This ultrasound is often combined with Doppler ultrasound, which assesses blood flow in the carotid arteries by measuring the speed of blood flow and estimating the diameter of blood vessels, as well as any potential obstructions.
Additionally, a carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) ultrasound may be performed. It’s used to measure the thickness of the innermost layers of the artery walls, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis.
Depending on initial results and risk factors, further imaging tests such as a CT angiogram or magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) may be recommended. It provides more detailed views of the blood vessels.
PAD screenings
A PAD screening involves a review of medical history and a physical exam, followed by the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test. This painless, non-invasive procedure measures blood pressure in the arms and ankles to assess blood flow.
Additional tests may be conducted based on initial results. These could include:
- An ultrasound to visualize blood flow and detect blockages
- A treadmill test to assess symptoms during exercise
- Pulse volume recording to measure changes in blood volume in your legs
In some cases, more advanced imaging techniques may be necessary, such as CT angiography, which uses X-rays and contrast dye to create detailed images of blood vessels. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides cross-sectional images of arteries without using X-rays.
Aortic aneurysm screenings
An aortic aneurysm screening typically involves an abdominal duplex ultrasound. After reviewing your medical history, you lie on an exam table while a technician applies gel to your abdomen and uses a transducer to create images of the aorta. The painless procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes, with immediate results.
The screening is designed to identify AAAs early, reducing the risk of rupture and associated complications. If no aneurysm is found, you will not need further screenings. If a small aneurysm is detected, you may be monitored with regular follow-up scans. Larger aneurysms may require more immediate attention or surgical intervention.
Choose Vascular Surgical Associates
There are plenty of advantages to choosing Vascular Surgical Associates for vascular disease treatment in Evansville, IN. Our team of board-certified vascular surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the circulatory system, utilizing minimally invasive techniques that enhance recovery and reduce discomfort.
Our practice emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with primary care providers and specialists to ensure comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs. Additionally, we employ state-of-the-art imaging technology, which aids us in precise surgical planning and improves treatment outcomes.
Do you need to schedule a vascular screening in Evansville, IN? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Vascular diseases can significantly impact blood vessels and elevate stroke risk. Vascular Surgical Associates in Evansville, IN, provides specialized screenings to identify these conditions and facilitate necessary treatments. Their services include comprehensive assessments and minimally invasive procedures, ensuring personalized care through advanced imaging for better outcomes and faster recovery.
Vascular Surgical Associates provides comprehensive and compassionate surgical care to the tri-state area. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to contact us or schedule an appointment. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
