Most Vietnamese people are familiar with heart disease and the consequences of blockages in the vessels that carry blood to and from the heart. But few people realize that blockages caused by the buildup of plaque and cholesterol affect more than the coronary arteries. Arteries throughout the body carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, so blockages can occur in all arteries with serious effects. Three of the most recognized vascular diseases include:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or “bulge” that develops in a weakened area in the largest artery in the abdomen. The pressure created by each heartbeat pushes against the weakened aortic wall, causing the aneurysm to expand. If the AAA remains undetected, the aortic wall continues to weaken, and the aneurysm continues to grow. Eventually, the aneurysm becomes so large, and its wall so weak, that rupture occurs. When this happens, there is massive internal bleeding, a situation that is often fatal. The only way to break this cycle is to find AAA before it is broken.
Carotid artery disease - Stroke
Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when the main blood vessels to the brain develop plaque buildup due to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. When the buildup becomes very severe, it can cause a stroke. A stroke occurs when part of the brain is damaged due to these blood vessel problems; in fact, 80 percent of strokes are “ischemic strokes,” where part of the circulation to the brain is cut off, usually due to a blockage in the carotid arteries. This process is similar to the buildup of plaque in the arteries of the heart that causes heart attacks. According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
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Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, causes a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to all of the body’s tissues. As these plaques worsen, they reduce essential blood flow to the limbs and can even completely block the arteries. Initially, PAD may only cause difficulty walking, but in its most severe form, it can cause painful leg ulcers, infection and even gangrene, which may require amputation. People with PAD are three times more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke than people without PAD.
The information on Vascular.org is not intended and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It is very important that individuals with specific medical problems or questions consult their physician or other health care professional.