September Is Vascular Disease Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Protect Your Vascular Health

September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about the conditions that affect the blood vessels throughout our bodies and the importance of recognizing symptoms early.

Our vascular system—including our arteries and veins—plays an essential role in delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and returning blood to the heart. When blood vessels become narrowed, blocked, weakened, or damaged, it can affect circulation and lead to serious health complications.

The good news is that many vascular conditions can be diagnosed and treated, and early evaluation can make an important difference.

What Is Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease refers to a variety of conditions that affect the body’s blood vessels. Some conditions affect the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, while others affect the veins, which return blood back to the heart.

Some common vascular conditions include:

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition in which narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow, most commonly to the legs and feet.
• Critical Limb Ischemia: A severe form of PAD that can cause significant pain, wounds that do not heal, and tissue damage when blood flow is severely restricted.
• Varicose and Spider Veins: Enlarged or damaged veins that may be accompanied by aching, heaviness, swelling, or other symptoms.
• Venous Reflux Disease: A condition in which valves within the veins do not function properly, allowing blood to pool in the legs.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot that develops in a deep vein, often in the leg, which requires prompt medical attention.

Know the Warning Signs

Vascular disease does not always cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. Paying attention to changes in your legs, feet, or circulation can help you recognize when it may be time to talk with a healthcare provider.

Depending on the condition, symptoms can include:

• Leg pain, aching, or cramping, especially with activity
• Leg heaviness or fatigue
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Varicose or spider veins
• Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
• Coldness or changes in skin color
• Wounds or ulcers that heal slowly or do not heal
• Skin changes or irritation
• Pain or discomfort that interferes with daily activities

Some vascular conditions can progress over time, so persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.

Understand Your Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing vascular disease. These may include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Family history
• Physical inactivity
• Excess weight
• Increasing age

Taking steps such as staying active, eating a balanced diet, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, controlling blood sugar, and avoiding tobacco can support overall vascular health.

How TRA Endovascular Can Help

At TRA Endovascular, one of our goals is to help patients understand their vascular health and find appropriate treatment options when vascular problems are affecting their quality of life.

Our team uses advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat a range of vein and vascular conditions. TRA Endovascular offers a full spectrum of care, from imaging and diagnosis to consultation and treatment, all in one facility.

Our arterial and venous services include procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, arteriograms, dialysis fistulagram and treatment, IVC filter placement and removal, and varicose vein therapies including vein ablation and sclerotherapy.

For patients experiencing symptoms related to venous disease, TRA Endovascular also offers a free virtual vein screening. Our providers can review your symptoms and medical history and help determine whether further evaluation or treatment may be appropriate.

Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Circulation

Vascular Disease Awareness Month is a great reminder to pay attention to your vascular health—not just when symptoms become severe, but as part of your overall health and wellness.

If you’re experiencing persistent leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, wounds that aren’t healing, or other symptoms that may be related to your circulation, talk with your healthcare provider about your concerns.

TRA Endovascular is here to help you understand your options and take the next step toward better vascular health.

Learn more about vein and vascular care or request a free virtual vein screening at TRA Endovascular.

TRA Endovascular
2502 S Union Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98405
253-284-0841