Resident Doctors are on strike from 7 - 13 April. Please continue to attend appointments at the hospital unless you are contacted directly to rearrange. Our hospitals will be busy, but we are still here to provide emergency care when you need it.

Vascular conditions and treatment

Vascular Disease is as common as cancer and heart disease. It accounts for 40% of deaths in the UK, many of which are preventable.

Vascular disease explained

Vascular disease is caused by inflammation and weakness of the veins and arteries. The most common disease, peripheral arterial disease, affects the arteries in your legs; 9% of the population suffer from this for of vascular disease.

There are many factors that result in the increased risk of developing vascular disease:

  • Being male
  • Family history
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Overweight
  • High cholesterol
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Lack of exercise

Reducing the risk

There are several lifestyle changes and behaviours that patients can do to help prevent the development of vascular disease.

  • Stop smoking
  • Diabetics should undergo regular fasting blood sugar levels taken to ensure there is no underlying problem not being treated
  • High blood pressure; patients who suffer from this should check their blood pressure regularly 140/85 target reading, if this is higher seek medical advise from your doctor
  • Cholesterol- patients should ideally have a cholesterol level less than 5
  • Weight- maintain a healthy weight. This can lower the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Active health style and healthy diet
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