Vascular Disease Warning Signs
The most common form of vascular disease occurs when an artery (or arteries) supplying blood to a particular area of the body becomes blocked. This blockage is typically caused by a buildup of cholesterol and other substances inside the artery. This is called atherosclerosis.
Disease
|
Affected Area
|
Signs/Symptoms
|
What to Do
|
|
Carotid Artery Disease
|
Brain
|
Sudden trouble speaking or seeing, numbness, weakness, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance, sudden severe headache with no explanation.
|
Call 9-1-1 immediately!
|
|
Peripheral Artery Disease
|
Most frequently legs, but arms may also develop PAD.
|
Cramping type pain that occurs when you exercise and goes away when you stop. One leg or foot significantly cooler than the other. Wounds heal slowly. Discoloration of toes, feet or legs.
|
Talk to your doctor about PAD. Discoloration or gangrene requires immediate attention!
|
|
Ischemic Limb
|
Arm, leg
|
This is PAD in the extreme. The limb is cool to the touch and may be gangrenous. Discoloration. Absence of pulse.
|
Call 9-1-1. Limb loss may be likely.
|
|
Renal Artery Disease
|
Kidneys
|
High blood pressure at a young age; high blood pressure that suddenly gets worse or is difficult to control. Kidneys suddenly stop working well. Narrowing of other arteries in the body. Sudden buildup of fluid in the lungs.
|
Talk to your doctor. Depending on the severity, lifestyle changes, medications or interventional procedures may be required.
|