- Vascular disease is a category of diseases that affect the vascular system, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, which transport blood between the heart and tissues.
- Causes vary by disease; genetics, cardiovascular risk factors, infection, injury, medications, and other causes may be involved, and in some cases, the cause is unknown.
- Stenosis, occlusion, dilation, inflammation, or thrombosis of blood vessels can obstruct blood flow or alter the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
- Representative manifestations include aneurysms, atherosclerotic disease, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, Raynaud's phenomenon, varicose veins, vasculitis, and stroke due to reduced blood flow.
- Risk factors vary by disease, but age, family history, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, infection, or injury can be influential.
- Symptoms and course vary greatly depending on the subtype; pain, swelling, skin changes, discomfort during exertion, or sudden impairment of blood flow may occur.
- Diagnosis is based on confirming symptoms and medical history through physical examination, with imaging tests and blood tests added as necessary.
- Since the same symptoms can appear in different vascular diseases, test results must be interpreted along with the disease subtype, involved site, and severity.
- Management is tailored to the type and severity of the vascular disease and may combine lifestyle modifications, risk factor management, medication, non-surgical procedures, or surgery.
- Current treatment is not defined by a single standard but involves selecting blood pressure and cholesterol-regulating drugs, anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy, catheter procedures, and surgery depending on the disease and severity.