Birthmarks See Vascular Diseases Prevention
Peripheral Vascular Disease Prevention
- What causes peripheral vascular disease
- What are the risk factors
- How to manage risk and prevent peripheral vascular disease
Peripheral vascular disease can be caused by a
condition called
atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis causes the
blood vessels, in particular the arteries, to
harden and narrow. The peripheral blood
vessels are the
arteries and veins that that
supply blood to the
legs and arms and then return it to
the heart. The most common location of
peripheral vascular disease is
in the
legs. As peripheral vascular disease develops, leg pain can become
more prominent. The narrowing and hardening of the
artery happens when deposits of
calcium and cholesterol build up on the
artery wall over time. These deposits are also known as
plaque. Plaques deposits may build up so much that the
artery may actually become completely blocked. In order to
know how to prevent
peripheral vascular
disease, it would be useful first to know
the factors that might increase your risk
of contracting the condition. The following are risk factors: - Diabetes
- smoking
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- a family history of peripheral vascular disease
- being overweight
- high cholesterol or blood fat
Manage the Risk Factors
The first step in preventing vascular disease is to manage the risk factors.
For those with high cholesterol, hypertension and for those who already have vascular disease, a nutritional program can be helpful. Opt for food choices that are rich in complex carbohydrates (such as wholegrain rice and pasta), fresh vegetables and fruit. Try to avoid foods that are highly processed, salty, sugary or contain animal fats.
If you use tobacco, the firm advice is to stop smoking. Nicotine has the effect of narrowing the arteries (known as vasoconstriction). Each cigarette or cigar you smoke has the potential to decrease the flow of blood as the nicotine circulates around your vascular system.
Your doctor or health care provider may want to prescribe medication and he or she may need to adjust other medications you are taking. Some medications can restrict blood flow, so your doctor may need to examine your intake in order to better manage circulation.
Exercise is an excellent way to improve and maintain circulation in your vascular system. Your doctor or health care provider may recommend a program of exercise for you. In any case, you should check with your doctor first before undertaking any program of strenuous exercise.
Your doctor may also recommend surgery if you have any significant blockages.
Prevention
The best way to avoid peripheral vascular disease is to stay fit and healthy. Aim to reach a healthy weight, try to bring your blood pressure within healthy parameters and watch your cholesterol levels.
Try to eat meals that are low in fat and sugar, and that are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates. And try to exercise 3 to 4 times every week. You don’t need to go to a gym as a brisk walk should be sufficient. Talk to your doctor about what type of exercise would be best for you.
