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The Link between Vascular Health and Cardiovascular Disease and Health
Vascular health and heart health are closely connected. Our vascular system carries oxygenated blood throughout our bodies, delivering nutrients and removing by-products for elimination. When our blood vessels are healthy, then our hearts and overall health are healthy too. But when poor vascular health occurs, it can lead to serious cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Causes of Vascular Disease
The most common causes of vascular disease are smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. All of these can have damaging effects on our vascular health, leading to a decrease in vascular function and eventually the hardening, or narrowing, of our blood vessels.
Symptoms of Vascular Disease
The primary symptom of poor vascular health is weak veins and arteries, meaning the arteries are not effectively carrying oxygen and nutrients through the body. This can lead to a number of different symptoms such as: fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and swelling of the feet and lower legs.
Treatment of Vascular Disease
The primary treatment of vascular disease is lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol, and regular physical activity. Other treatments, such as medications and surgery, can be used when needed.
The Link between Vascular Health and Cardiovascular Disease
Poor vascular health can lead to a number of serious conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and aortic aneurysms. Therefore, it is important to maintain good vascular health to protect against cardiovascular disease.
Preventing Cardiovascular Disease through Vascular Health
The best way to protect your vascular health and prevent cardiovascular disease is to make sure you are living a healthy, active lifestyle. This means quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating a balanced diet with fiber-rich foods and avoiding unhealthy fats and sugars is also important for maintaining good heart health and vascular health.
If you are at risk of developing CVD, your doctor may recommend specific treatments and lifestyle changes to help lower your risk. Maintaining good vascular health can help reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall health.
