A health condition that affects the blood circulatory system of the body is known as a vascular disease. Blood vessels are elastic tubes that carry blood and oxygen to different parts of the body. Deposition of plaque or fat on the inner walls of blood vessels reduces their efficiency, resulting in vascular disease. A vascular disease can affect any part of the circulatory system including arteries, veins, lymph vessels and the heart. According to the American Heart Association, peripheral arterial disease, a type of vascular disease, affects more than 8 million Americans.
Symptoms in Cardiovascular Disease
Chest pain is the most common symptom in this form of vascular disease. This pain can propagate to other body parts, such as the arms, the shoulders and the neck. Other symptoms are sweating, nausea, light-headedness and shortness of breath. A single symptom does not mean a cardiovascular disease. However, when several of the above mentioned symptoms occur simultaneously, it may be an indication of a cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms in Peripheral Artery Disease
When the arteries of the legs develop plaque blockages, it is termed peripheral artery disease. The inner linings of the walls of the arteries develop fat deposits. This affects the circulation of the blood to the kidneys, arms, stomach and legs. A patient suffering from a peripheral artery disease shows symptoms such as discomfort and numbness in the thighs or buttocks. There is also a constant pain in the calf. According to the American Heart Association, the patient may also develop limitations while walking, such as limited speed and endurance.
Symptoms in Cerebrovascular Disease
The narrowing of the brain arteries results in cererbrovascular disease. It also leads to development of clots in the neck's carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Cererbrovascular disease is characterized by symptoms such as numbness, loss of vision, slurred speech and nausea. It can also lead to paralysis or weakness of limbs in some patients. The condition is also associated with memory loss, loss of coordination and drowsiness. In extreme cases, the disease induces certain personality changes and depression.
Symptoms in Mesenteric Arterial Disease
Mesenteric arterial disease occurs due to the narrowing or blockage of the mesenteric arteries. These arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the small and large intestine. It results in severe abdominal pain and weight loss. The patients show symptoms such as pain in the abdomen and diarrhea. There is also vomiting in some cases.
Symptoms in Collagen Vascular Disease
Collagen is q glue-like protein present in bones, tendons and connective tissues of the body. Collagen is responsible for maintaining the proper shape and structure of the body. Collagen vascular disease affects these connective tissues and affects vascular system as well as other body organs. Dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus are different forms of collagen vascular diseases. The patients suffering from this condition commonly develop symptoms such as fever and anemia. It is also accompanied by fatigue and inflammation of the joints.
