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  Vascular Disease Awareness Month: What Is Vascular Disease?

  September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month! By the age of 50, 50% of women and 30% of men are affected by a vein disorder.  What Is Vascular Disease? Vascular disease is a term used to describe numerous conditions affecting the veins, arteries and small vessels.  Here are just a few examples of vascular diseases: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Varicose Veins Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms can vary depending on the blood vessels affected. Coronary Artery Disease may present symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain while PAD can cause swelling, pain or weakness in the extremities. Unfortunately, a serious or even life-threatening event may occur before a patient even knows they have vascular disease as sometimes there are no symptoms. People are more at risk if they have a family history of vascular disease or have the following: Diabetes Obesity High cholesterol History of smoking Unhealthy diet How Does Vascular Associates of South Alabama Treat Vascular Disease? At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, their board-certified physicians are experts in treating patients with vascular disease. While some types can be treated with medications and changes in lifestyle, others may need surgery to ...
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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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  5 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure and Help Your Vascular Disease

  Maintaining optimal blood pressure is crucial for overall health and plays a significant role in preventing and managing vascular diseases. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious problems if left unaddressed. Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes you can adopt to lower your blood pressure and improve your vascular health. Here are five effective strategies to help you achieve these goals. #1: Adopt a Healthy Diet One of the most impactful ways to lower blood pressure is by following a healthy diet. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products into your meals. Reduce your intake of sodium, saturated fats and cholesterol. Emphasize foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, spinach and avocados, as it helps counterbalance the effects of sodium. A well-balanced diet can help control weight, reduce plaque buildup in arteries and promote overall vascular health. #2: Engage in Regular Physical Activity Regular exercise is key to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, each week. Additionally, include strength training ...
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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, ...
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  How to Prevent Ulcers for Those with Vascular Disease and Diabetes

    With the promise of warmer weather in Mobile, AL, many of us are eager to get outside and become more active this Spring. However, for individuals dealing with vascular disease and diabetes, this excitement should be coupled with a mindful approach to foot care to prevent the development of ulcers.  Foot ulcers, a common complication of these conditions, can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. But with proper foot care and preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing ulcers and maintain their mobility and overall well-being. Understanding the Link Between Vascular Disease, Diabetes, and Foot Ulcers Vascular disease and diabetes often go hand in hand, creating a perfect storm for foot complications. Vascular issues, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), restrict blood flow to the feet, making it harder for wounds to heal. Diabetes further exacerbates this problem by causing nerve damage (neuropathy), reducing sensation in the feet and making it difficult to detect injuries. As a result, even minor cuts or blisters can progress into ulcers if not properly cared for. Foot Care Tips for Prevention: #1: Inspect Your ...