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  What’s the Difference Between Vascular Disease and Heart Disease

    Vascular disease and heart disease are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Both conditions can have serious consequences for a person's health, but they affect different parts of the body and have different causes. What Is Vascular Disease? Vascular disease refers to any condition that affects the arteries, veins or small vessels in the body. This can include conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) affecting blood flow to the extremities and bulging, purplish varicose veins just beneath the skin’s surface. Vascular disease can be caused by a number of factors, including smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. What Is Heart Disease? On the other hand, heart disease refers specifically to conditions that affect the heart muscle or the blood vessels that supply the heart. Some examples include coronary artery disease (CAD) from a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that supply the heart and heart failure due to a weakening of the heart muscle. How Are Vascular and Heart Disease Similar? Both can lead to serious health problems, such as a heart attack, stroke or even death. However, ...
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  What Is a Vascular Surgeon and Why Do You Need One?

    A vascular surgeon is a highly-trained specialist who treats vascular diseases and provides comprehensive vascular care. Vascular disease is defined as “any condition that affects your circulatory system, or system of blood vessels” by Cleveland Clinic. Types of vascular disease include atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease and pulmonary embolism. Do they always operate? While vascular surgeons do perform surgery, they also treat patients using only lifestyle changes and preventative health plans. Some conditions, like Peripheral Artery Disease, can be managed with exercise and a healthy diet.  Why would I need a vascular surgeon? Normally, a patient’s primary care doctor will refer them to a vascular surgeon if they’ve been recently diagnosed with vascular disease, present with pain in their legs or are at high risk. Patients with diabetes or who smoke may need to start a relationship and work on slowing the progression of vascular diseases. Some people may skip the general practitioner entirely after an unexpected trip to the hospital that’s related to vascular disease.  What should I look for in a vascular specialist? A patient needs a board-certified vascular surgeon who ...
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  What to Know About the Flu If You Have Vascular Disease

  As the chilly winds of flu season sweep across the nation, it's essential for everyone to be vigilant about their health. However, for individuals with vascular diseases, the flu can pose unique and potentially severe risks. Vascular diseases, including conditions like peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis, can weaken the immune system and affect overall vascular health. Therefore, being informed and taking proactive measures is crucial for staying healthy during flu season. #1: Understand the Risks Vascular diseases can compromise blood circulation which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections, including the flu. Individuals with compromised circulation may experience more severe flu symptoms making them vulnerable to complications like pneumonia. Understanding this risk is the first step towards taking necessary precautions. #2: Get the Flu Vaccination One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the flu is getting vaccinated. For individuals with vascular diseases, a flu shot is not just a preventive measure; it's a shield against potentially life-threatening complications. Consult your healthcare provider about the flu vaccine to ensure that it's safe and suitable for your specific condition. #3: ...
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  Navigating Vascular Ultrasounds: Your Top Questions Answered

  Vascular ultrasounds are a vital tool in diagnosing and managing vascular diseases, offering crucial insights into the health of veins and arteries. At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive care and information to our patients. Let’s address some of the top questions you may have about vascular ultrasounds. 1. What Is a Vascular Ultrasound? A vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique used to evaluate blood vessels. By utilizing sound waves transmitted painlessly through the skin, vascular ultrasounds produce detailed images of blood flow, detecting issues such as narrowing, blockages, or abnormalities that could affect circulation. 2. How Is a Vascular Ultrasound Performed? During a vascular ultrasound evaluation, a special gel is applied to the skin over the area of interest. This gel facilitates the movement of a handheld transducer over the skin's surface, transmitting sound waves and capturing their reflections as they bounce off blood vessels. These reflections are then interpreted by a computer to generate real-time images displayed on a monitor. 3. What Conditions Can Vascular Ultrasounds Diagnose? Vascular ultrasounds are instrumental in diagnosing various vascular conditions, ...
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  5 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure and Help Your Vascular Disease

  Maintaining optimal blood pressure is crucial for overall health and plays a significant role in preventing and managing vascular diseases. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to serious problems if left unaddressed. Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes you can adopt to lower your blood pressure and improve your vascular health. Here are five effective strategies to help you achieve these goals. #1: Adopt a Healthy Diet One of the most impactful ways to lower blood pressure is by following a healthy diet. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products into your meals. Reduce your intake of sodium, saturated fats and cholesterol. Emphasize foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, spinach and avocados, as it helps counterbalance the effects of sodium. A well-balanced diet can help control weight, reduce plaque buildup in arteries and promote overall vascular health. #2: Engage in Regular Physical Activity Regular exercise is key to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, each week. Additionally, include strength training ...
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  Your Game Plan for Fighting Vascular Disease During Football Season

  College football is in full swing down here in South Alabama. While game days are fun, patients with vascular disease should still be careful. Let’s Talk Game Day Food Tailgating is an important part of college game days. As you walk through campus, the smell of hamburgers, hot dogs and so many other delights fill the air. However, if you’re struggling with vascular disease, it’s crucial that you maintain a healthy diet. Splurging every once in a while is okay, but don’t go crazy with greasy red meats and carbohydrates. Try to substitute for healthier options like leaner meats, veggies as sides, whole wheat alternatives and fruits as desserts.  Food is just one component of keeping a healthier diet. Limiting alcohol consumption is another. Too much imbibing may lead to worsening symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).  Staying Active in the Stands There’s nothing quite like watching a college football game from the stands. The excitement of cheering on your team with your fellow fans can be exhilarating, but too much excitement may increase your blood pressure. Make sure you stay vigilant and watch ...