An average adult has enough blood vessels, capillaries, arteries, veins, and other associated capillaries to make the Earth four times. They stretch nearly 100,000 miles when placed side-by-side. Your body’s remarkable circulatory system (vascular) is essential to keep it healthy and active. Your entire body gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs from the blood flow.
Your blood flow can become impaired as your vascular system becomes more clogged with plaque and cholesterol. In some cases, bleeding can cause stroke, aneurysm or peripheral arterial disease. It is important to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking to maintain a healthy vascular system.
You should consult a qualified specialist if you have problems with your vascular systems. Most vascular conditions can be treated with medication, but a specialist will provide the most thorough and expert care. Vascular surgeons often manage medical conditions using medication. There are some conditions that can be fixed with non-invasive techniques. These procedures offer excellent results and quick recovery. Open surgery is only necessary in severe cases.
Today’s vascular surgeons can perform all types of vascular treatments. They have extensive training in all modalities, including surgical, medical and endovascular (minimally-invasive) therapies. Vascular surgeons provide expert diagnosis and treatment of vascular conditions.
You should pay attention to your circulation and consult your primary care doctor if you have any concerns. Ask your doctor to refer you to an vascular surgeon if they diagnose a vascular problem.
Visit the Society for Vascular Surgery’s website to learn more about your vascular health, and to locate a vascular surgeon. www.VascularWeb.org.
