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Vascular Diseases
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Vascular Diseases

Vascular diseases are conditions affecting the body's network of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.

What are vascular diseases?

Your vascular system is your body's network of blood vessels, consisting of:

  • Arteries: Carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your tissues and organs.
  • Veins: Carry blood and waste products back to your heart.
  • Capillaries: Tiny, thin-walled vessels that connect small arteries to small veins, allowing for the exchange of materials between tissues and blood.

Vascular diseases are conditions that affect this system. Common types include:

  • Aneurysm: A bulge or "ballooning" in the wall of an artery.
  • Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup (fat, cholesterol, calcium) inside arteries.
  • Blood clots: Including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
  • Coronary and carotid artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of an artery due to plaque.
  • Raynaud phenomenon: Blood vessels narrow in response to cold or stress.
  • Stroke: A serious condition where blood flow to the brain stops.
  • Varicose veins: Swollen, twisted veins visible under the skin.
  • Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels.

What causes vascular diseases?

Causes depend on the specific disease but may include:

  • Genetics
  • Heart diseases (e.g., high cholesterol, high blood pressure)
  • Infection
  • Injury
  • Medicines, including hormones

Sometimes, the cause is unknown.

Who is at risk for vascular diseases?

Common risk factors include:

  • Age
  • Conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol
  • Family history of vascular or heart diseases
  • Infection or injury damaging veins
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Sitting or standing still for long periods
  • Smoking

What are the symptoms of vascular diseases?

Symptoms vary significantly depending on the specific disease.

How are vascular diseases diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a physical exam, a review of symptoms and medical history, and potentially imaging or blood tests.

How are vascular diseases treated?

Treatment depends on the specific disease and its severity, and may include:

  • Lifestyle changes (heart-healthy diet, exercise)
  • Medicines (blood pressure medication, blood thinners, cholesterol medication, clot-dissolving drugs)
  • Non-surgical procedures (angioplasty, stenting, vein ablation)
  • Surgery

Can vascular diseases be prevented?

Preventative steps include:

  • Adopting a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly.
  • Quitting smoking.
  • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes.
  • Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing; move around every hour, stretch, or wear compression stockings during long trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most aneurysms cause no symptoms until they enlarge or leak. Routine screening (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) is recommended for people with risk factors such as a family history, hypertension, or smoking, especially for abdominal aortic aneurysms in men over 65. If you feel a pulsating mass in the abdomen or notice unexplained back or flank pain, contact your doctor promptly for imaging.
dopt a heart‑healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and limited saturated fat and trans fat. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity aerobic exercise weekly, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control with medication if needed. Regular check‑ups allow early detection and treatment of plaque buildup.
Seek emergency care if you notice sudden swelling, warmth, redness, or pain in one leg that feels different from the other, especially if you have risk factors like recent surgery, long travel, cancer, or a history of clotting. Shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat may indicate a clot that has traveled to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and require immediate evaluation.
While many varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic concern, they can lead to complications such as aching, swelling, skin changes, ulceration, or bleeding. If you experience pain, heaviness, or skin discoloration, discuss treatment options (compression stockings, sclerotherapy, or laser therapy) with a vascular specialist to prevent progression.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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