Vascular disease and heart disease are linked because they are part of the same cardiovascular body system. The cardiovascular system comprises three main components:
- The heart
- The blood vessels (including arteries, veins, and capillaries)
They all work together: the heart contracts (beats) to provide cells and tissues with nutrient-rich blood via the blood vessels. It’s a beautiful, intertwined network.
When something is wrong with one part of the system, it may affect other parts. For example, vascular disease in the legs (like peripheral artery disease or PAD) could be related to poor cardiovascular health.
Patients with heart disease and/or diabetes may develop plaque in their arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. The plaque buildup can manifest anywhere – including the legs. The plaque impedes circulation, which can lead to a host of symptoms and conditions including venous diseases.
Regular treatment and checkups and reducing controllable risk factors can go a long way in helping you regain health and mobility and prevent complications.
- Regular screenings
- Sticking to your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and medications
- Exercise and healthy eating
- Stopping smoking
Because the cardiological and vascular system are interconnected, caring for one means caring for the other. The treatments and lifestyle changes you make to improve your heart condition can benefit vascular/venous problems too.
Certain heart and vascular diseases can affect circulation, cause clotting, and lead to chronic wounds. Left untreated, venous issues and wounds can necessitate amputation.
In addition to amputation, heart disease is a risk factor for various vascular issues, including:
- Chronic venous diseases
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Peripheral venous disease
- Ischemia and gangrene
- Renal artery disease
- Blood clots
At Heart Vascular & Leg, we don’t just treat symptoms; we treat the whole person. We are passionate about helping our patients find relief, prevent amputations and other complications, and live longer fuller lives.
Our 9-in-1 Solution enables patients to get the treatment they need for all of their medical conditions – heart, vascular, and wounds – under one roof with some of the nation’s leading cardiovascular specialists.
Whether you have heart disease, diabetes, vascular disease, or combination of several conditions, the Heart Center and our sister practice the Vein & Vascular Center provides the care, treatment, and support you need. We offer the most advanced treatments and diagnostics available in heart and vascular health – and provide them in a relaxed, comfortable setting right here in Bakersfield.
Contact us for same- or next-day appointments. We accept most types of insurance. Call our office today at 888-918-3137.