The severe symptoms of these diseases are mainly caused by deposits (plaques) within the inflow and outflow systems. In most cases, these are
- blood lipids
- cholesterol
- clots
- sugar
- calcium
Plaques form on the vessel wall after the occurrence of severe inflammation. However, this can be caused by different things. Depending on the affected region, different vascular diseases occur.
On the left a healthy vessel, on the right a vessel narrowed by plaques (here using the example of a coronary artery)
Numerous risk factors favor the formation of plaque and the development of vascular disease. Excessive consumption of fatty and cholesterol-rich foods is still one of the main reasons for the deposition of blood lipids in the vascular walls. Obesity and high blood pressure also increase the risk of developing the disease.
In addition, patients with high blood sugar levels(diabetics) are particularly at risk of developing vascular disease. This also applies to smokers and people with excessive alcohol consumption.
The different forms of these diseases are mainly divided into two categories. These are
- Diseases of the supplying system (arteries) and
- diseases of the draining system (veins and lymph vessels).
The three main forms of vascular disease are derived from this: These can affect either the arteries, the veins or the lymphatic system.
Arterial vascular disease is usually arteriosclerosis. This is characterized by the formation of constrictions and blockages within the arteries.
Venous vascular diseases, on the other hand, include varicose veins, venous insufficiency and venous thrombosis.
In the area of lymphatic system disorders, a distinction is mainly made between primary and secondary lymphoedema. These are visible and palpable accumulations of fluid that can no longer be removed.
Varicose veins © zlikovec / Fotolia
Many vascular diseases can be successfully treated without surgery. However, the means used for treatment depends heavily on the current stage of the disease. Arterial circulatory disorders are usually treated with medication that dilates the vessels. This increases the flow rate of the blood and can improve the supply to the tissue. In addition to the balloon catheter procedure, surgery may also be necessary(bypass procedure).
Medical treatment of the various diseases is necessary in all cases, as the respective systems can also become completely blocked in the course of plaque formation. If this situation occurs, the affected organs and tissue cells are usually permanently damaged, for example in the case of a heart attack or stroke.
In the case of venous problems, compression stockings or blood thinners (e.g. Marcumar®) may be necessary. Sclerotherapy is sometimes used successfully to alleviate symptoms at an early stage of the disease. In the case of severe swelling and edema, however, surgery is usually necessary.
Varicose veins are removed either by applying heat from the inside via a catheter, which causes the vein wall to stick together. These procedures are performed without a skin incision (minimally invasive), the catheters are inserted through the skin. First introduced in the USA, these endovenous ( from the inside of the vein) procedures have increasingly been carried out in Europe since 1998. Traditional procedures include the removal of varicose veins via a skin incision in the groin or hollow of the knee and on the lower leg.
In most cases, however, vascular diseases can be effectively prevented. Without an additional increase in risk, these diseases only occur very rarely. By avoiding risk factors, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing the disease.
People at risk should therefore avoid cigarettes and alcohol completely. In addition, a healthy diet and regular exercise are of crucial importance. You should also avoid stressful situations as much as possible in order to reduce the risk of illness to a minimum.
In the case of vein diseases, wearing compression stockings is recommended in high-risk situations (long flights or car journeys).
