Vascular Conditions and Diagnoses
The aorta is the artery that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart and on to other arteries that distribute it throughout the body. Aortic aneurysms develop when a weakened area of the aorta balloons or expands. Aortic aneurysms can occur in the stomach area (abdominal aortic aneurysm) or the chest area (thoracic aortic aneurysm) or may involve both (thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm).
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are relatively common and can also be life-threatening if they burst and cause severe internal bleeding. Symptoms may include:
• A pulsating sensation in the abdomen
• Pain in the abdomen radiating toward the back
A minor thoracic aortic aneurysm may have little effect on an individual, but can also be life-threatening if it bursts and causes severe internal bleeding. Symptoms may include:
• Upper chest and back pain
• A dull pain near the breastbone or upper back
Learn about treatments for aortic aneurysms.
Carotid arteries, the main blood vessels leading to the brain, can develop plaque residue caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) that can eventually cause stroke. While strokes can be fatal and are the third leading cause of death in the US, many people recover, though permanent brain damage and varying degrees of paralysis often result.
Learn about a treatment for carotid artery disease. Watch a video about carotid artery disease.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also called peripheral vascular disease (PVD), develops as a result of atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits and plaque in the lining of blood vessels. When plaque builds up in the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, they harden, narrow and clog, causing poor circulation.
While difficulty walking may be the primary symptom, PAD can advance to complete arterial blockage and critical limb ischemia (CLI), causing painful foot ulcers, infections or even gangrene that requires amputation. PAD is also associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Learn about treatments for peripheral arterial disease. Watch short informational videos about PAD.
Deep vein thrombosis is characterized by clotted blood in a vein deep within the body. If a deep-vein blood clot becomes dislodged from the vein wall and is carried to the lungs, it can block blood flow and lead to a pulmonary embolism (blockage of an artery that carries oxygen-poor blood to the lungs). Most deep-vein blood clots occur in the calf or thigh. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis in the leg include swelling, pain, redness, skin discoloration and heat radiating from a specific area of the leg.
Learn about a treatment for deep vein thrombosis.
Venous stasis ulcers are chronic sores that usually occur around or over the ankles and can be slow to heal. Often painful and debilitating, an estimated three to six million adults in the United States suffer from this condition. The ulcers are caused by the decay of valves within the veins, which results in reflux (backward flow of blood) and venous hypertension (high blood pressure). Reflux may also result in the growth of abnormal veins around the ulcer, contributing to the poor healing of the wound. Although this condition cannot be cured, wound healing can be improved by sealing off some of the abnormal veins.
Learn about a treatment for venous stasis ulcers.
Learn from the experts about the cause of and treatments for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins by watching patient education videos.
