Vascular disease refers to narrowing of the arteries and restricted blood flow. Coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease or disease of the arteries in the extremities are considered types of vascular disease. Smoking, high cholesterol and diabetes are causes of peripheral vascular disease.
Smoking
In normal arteries the lining of the artery is pliable and dilates and constricts as necessary to maintain the status quo of the system. Smoking injures the endothelium, which is the lining of the arteries. When the endothelium is damaged, the arteries remain constricted and are more susceptible to atherosclerotic plaque deposits. Blood clots are also likely to form in these damaged areas. While similar in effect, arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are totally different entities. Arteriosclerosis refers to the hardening or stiffening of the arteries due to the damage done to the endothelial lining of the artery, making the artery nonelastic and unable to dilate and constrict normally. Atherosclerosis is the depositing of fatty plaques that narrow the lumen of the artery and can also attract blood clots. Both cause narrowing of the arteries. Constricted arteries in the legs can decrease blood flow to the muscles and cause pain when walking. According to the American Heart Association smoking doubles the risk of stroke. Stroke occurs when the arteries in the brain are blocked or very narrow.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatlike substance that is used to make various hormones and vitamin D in the body. It also aids in digestion. Too much cholesterol can cause blockages in the arteries, referred to as atherosclerosis. Over time, the buildup of cholesterol plaques can cause severe narrowing or closure of the arteries, which diminishes blood flow to muscles and organs. Cholesterol plaques cause coronary artery disease. When the coronary arteries are blocked, the heart does not receive enough blood. This causes ischemia, which can cause chest pain and can eventually lead to a heart attack.
Diabetes
According to the American Heart Association, diabetes affects 100 million people worldwide. The main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes is vascular disease as arteriosclerosis injures the vascular system. The arterial endothelium and the ability of the arteries to dilate and constrict are abnormal because of inability to synthesize circulating biochemicals in the body. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, impairs the arteries' ability to synthesize these chemicals. As a result, the arteries are susceptible to damage and plaque buildup. The arteries of a diabetic are also more susceptible to blood clot formation.
