Diabetes is a disease in the body where blood sugar (glucose) in your body is too high. High blood sugar can increase your risk for vascular disease. Diabetes increases the risk for developing atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis happens when arteries harden or narrow from a build-up of a fatty, stick substance called plaque. People who have diabetes may also have high cholesterol.…
There are many different types of vascular disease. Some are caused by lifestyle factors, like level of physical activity and diet. Others are caused by genetics. And sometimes the onset of vascular disease can be linked to both, and to other factors as well. That’s why it’s important to learn about the different types of vascular diseases and to speak…
Overview Two large blood vessels, known as the “carotid arteries,” travel from your aorta up through your neck. There’s one on each side of your neck. They carry blood to your head and brain. In some people, these arteries become narrowed over time by a waxy build-up called “plaque.” When this happens, we say you have “carotid artery disease.” This…
Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging superficial veins that can be felt beneath the skin, generally larger than 3-mm in diameter. If you’re over 40, you probably see them; those little purple veins that suddenly seem to appear on your legs. Veins are the soft, thin-walled tubes that return blood from the arms and legs to the heart. Because veins work…