If It Is Not Discovered And Treated Early Enough It Can Lead To Limb Loss, Stroke And Death
Arterial disease is on the rise in the United States. More and more people are losing their limbs andlives to a deadly arterial disease.
Over 130,000 Americans die from stroke every year where the majority of deaths were related to Carotid Artery Disease.
Approximately 200,000 people are diagnosed with Aortic Aneurysms annually in the United States, where 11,000 of them have died from Aortic Aneurysm Rupture.
10 Million Americans have developed Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and half of them do not even know it. 75,000 Americans need to have their leg amputated because of poor blood circulation in their legs caused by PAD.
What is Arterial Disease
Arterial disease occurs when the arteries that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain, bodily organs, arms and legs become narrow, blocked or weakened.
Arteries are elastic, strong and are normally smooth and unobstructed on the inside to allow efficient blood flow throughout the body.
Continuously high blood pressure flowing through the arteries can eventually cause the artery walls to weaken, making the artery expand like a balloon. If the weakened artery continues to expand, the artery can burst, causing sudden internal bleeding that can lead to death.
Typically, ballooning of the artery happens in the aortic artery.
When this ballooning happens in the thoracic (chest) area, this is referred to as a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA).
And when this ballooning happens in the abdominal area, this is referred to as an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).
Also, when the arteries become narrow or blocked due to the accumulation of plaque, made up of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue, blood circulation to the arms, legs and brain becomes restricted.
As more plaque builds up, arteries narrow and stiffen. This process is called Atherosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries.”
When the arteries in the legs and arms become narrow, blocked, and stiffen due to Atherosclerosis, this is a medical condition known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). And when the arteries that transport blood to the brain become narrow and blocked, this medical condition is known as Carotid Artery Disease.
Peripheral Arterial Disease and Carotid Artery Disease only worsen with time and can become fatal if not treated in time because they can eventually lead to limb loss and stroke.
What Causes Arterial Diseases?
Arterial diseases happen over time and for multiple reasons:
What Are Some Symptoms Of Arterial Disease?
Some of the symptoms related to arterial disease are:
Arterial Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
At The Vein and Vascular Institute of Spring Hill diagnosing arterial diseases is performed using ultrasound technology that can help discover any blockage or weakening of the arteries.
Our Spring Hill Board Certified Vascular Surgeons can treat Aortic Aneurysm, Peripheral Arterial Disease and Carotid Artery Disease using non-invasive endovenous surgical techniques, such as angioplasty and stenting.
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING ARTERIAL DISEASE
Our vascular surgeons’ treatment techniques offer quick recovery time, leave minimal to no scars and allow patients to resume their normal activities within a few days because these procedures are performed endovenously (directly inside the artery).
To schedule a consultation with our Spring Hill vascular surgeons to find out if you have started to develop any arterial disease, give us a call today at (352) 505-1737 because early diagnosis and treatment of arterial disease can save your limbs and your life.
