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  What’s the Difference Between Vascular Disease and Heart Disease

    Vascular disease and heart disease are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Both conditions can have serious consequences for a person's health, but they affect different parts of the body and have different causes. What Is Vascular Disease? Vascular disease refers to any condition that affects the arteries, veins or small vessels in the body. This can include conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) affecting blood flow to the extremities and bulging, purplish varicose veins just beneath the skin’s surface. Vascular disease can be caused by a number of factors, including smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. What Is Heart Disease? On the other hand, heart disease refers specifically to conditions that affect the heart muscle or the blood vessels that supply the heart. Some examples include coronary artery disease (CAD) from a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that supply the heart and heart failure due to a weakening of the heart muscle. How Are Vascular and Heart Disease Similar? Both can lead to serious health problems, such as a heart attack, stroke or even death. However, ...
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  What Is a Vascular Surgeon and Why Do You Need One?

    A vascular surgeon is a highly-trained specialist who treats vascular diseases and provides comprehensive vascular care. Vascular disease is defined as “any condition that affects your circulatory system, or system of blood vessels” by Cleveland Clinic. Types of vascular disease include atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease and pulmonary embolism. Do they always operate? While vascular surgeons do perform surgery, they also treat patients using only lifestyle changes and preventative health plans. Some conditions, like Peripheral Artery Disease, can be managed with exercise and a healthy diet.  Why would I need a vascular surgeon? Normally, a patient’s primary care doctor will refer them to a vascular surgeon if they’ve been recently diagnosed with vascular disease, present with pain in their legs or are at high risk. Patients with diabetes or who smoke may need to start a relationship and work on slowing the progression of vascular diseases. Some people may skip the general practitioner entirely after an unexpected trip to the hospital that’s related to vascular disease.  What should I look for in a vascular specialist? A patient needs a board-certified vascular surgeon who ...
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  What to Know About the Flu If You Have Vascular Disease

  As the chilly winds of flu season sweep across the nation, it's essential for everyone to be vigilant about their health. However, for individuals with vascular diseases, the flu can pose unique and potentially severe risks. Vascular diseases, including conditions like peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis, can weaken the immune system and affect overall vascular health. Therefore, being informed and taking proactive measures is crucial for staying healthy during flu season. #1: Understand the Risks Vascular diseases can compromise blood circulation which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections, including the flu. Individuals with compromised circulation may experience more severe flu symptoms making them vulnerable to complications like pneumonia. Understanding this risk is the first step towards taking necessary precautions. #2: Get the Flu Vaccination One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the flu is getting vaccinated. For individuals with vascular diseases, a flu shot is not just a preventive measure; it's a shield against potentially life-threatening complications. Consult your healthcare provider about the flu vaccine to ensure that it's safe and suitable for your specific condition. #3: ...
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  What to Expect During Your Initial Vascular Appointment

  What to Expect During Your Initial Vascular Appointment Vascular health is integral to overall health, as it affects blood flow and the functioning of vital organs. Here are a few symptoms and conditions that might prompt you to book a vascular appointment: Leg Pain or Cramping Swelling in the Legs Non-Healing Wounds Cold or Numb Feet/Toes Varicose Veins Family History of Vascular Disease If you're currently under the care of specialists for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, incorporating a vascular practice into your healthcare routine can be a crucial step towards comprehensive well-being.  What to Expect at Your First Vascular Appointment At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, we make it easy for you to get the vascular care you need without the hassle of waiting for a referral or a long appointment wait time. In most cases, you can secure a same-day appointment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect during your first visit. Step 1: Preparing for Your Appointment First, you’ll need to fill out a new patient packet. This packet can be downloaded and printed from our website, or you can choose to complete it at our ...
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  What You Need to Know About Vascular Health Screenings

    Vascular health plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal functioning. Yet, despite its significance, vascular diseases often lurk silently, manifesting only when they've advanced. This is where vascular health screenings emerge as crucial tools in the arsenal against vascular disorders. Let's delve into why these screenings are essential and what you need to know about them. Understanding Vascular Health Screenings Vascular health screenings encompass a range of tests designed to assess the condition of your blood vessels. These screenings are non-invasive and painless, making them accessible to individuals of all ages and health statuses. By detecting potential issues early on, screenings empower both patients and healthcare providers to take proactive steps toward prevention and management. Early Detection Saves Lives One of the primary reasons why vascular health screenings are indispensable lies in their ability to identify problems before they escalate. Many vascular conditions, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), exhibit subtle or even asymptomatic symptoms in their initial stages. Through screenings, healthcare professionals can detect abnormalities in blood flow, vessel narrowing, or clot formation, enabling timely intervention. Tailored Risk ...
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  Navigating Vascular Ultrasounds: Your Top Questions Answered

  Vascular ultrasounds are a vital tool in diagnosing and managing vascular diseases, offering crucial insights into the health of veins and arteries. At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive care and information to our patients. Let’s address some of the top questions you may have about vascular ultrasounds. 1. What Is a Vascular Ultrasound? A vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique used to evaluate blood vessels. By utilizing sound waves transmitted painlessly through the skin, vascular ultrasounds produce detailed images of blood flow, detecting issues such as narrowing, blockages, or abnormalities that could affect circulation. 2. How Is a Vascular Ultrasound Performed? During a vascular ultrasound evaluation, a special gel is applied to the skin over the area of interest. This gel facilitates the movement of a handheld transducer over the skin's surface, transmitting sound waves and capturing their reflections as they bounce off blood vessels. These reflections are then interpreted by a computer to generate real-time images displayed on a monitor. 3. What Conditions Can Vascular Ultrasounds Diagnose? Vascular ultrasounds are instrumental in diagnosing various vascular conditions, ...