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Information on Vascular Disease
Aortic Aneurysm (abnormal enlargement of the main artery in the abdomen): Most people with aortic aneurysms have no symptoms until it ruptures, hence the name “the silent killer”. Infrequently, one may experience back or abdominal pain.
Cerebrovascular Disease (blocked arteries in the neck supplying the brain)
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA/”mini stroke”)
Symptoms Include:
- Temporary loss of vision in one eye
- Weakness affecting one side of the body
- Slurred or difficult speech
**TIA symptoms resolve, lasting less than 24 hours. TIA’s often occur prior to a complete stroke.
- Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA/stroke)
- With a CVA, symptoms are permanent and range from mild to severe.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (blocked arteries in the leg)
Symptoms Include:
- Claudication (leg pain occurring with walking relieved by rest)
- Severe leg pain occurring at rest and most notable while lying down
- Non-healing leg, foot or toe sores
- Cold feet and toes (vasospasm/Raynaud’s)
Throracic Outlet Syndrome - TOS (Neurogenic/Venous/Arterial)
Neurogenic TOS Symptoms:
- Aching discomfort in the shoulder with numbness and tingling of the forearm and fingers
- Neck pain, shoulder and back muscle tightness, and chest discomfort
- Band-like tightness around the biceps muscle
- Arm and hand may feel cold as though there is decreased circulation
- Feeling of arm swelling without apparent swelling
Venous TOS Symptoms:
- Fullness and swelling of the entire arm
- Bluish arm and forearm accompanied by swelling
Arterial TOS Symptom:
- Arm pain with no swelling present. The pain is worse with arm use.
Varicose Veins (readily visible distended veins along the legs): Varicose veins may be symptomatic. When symptomatic, one may experience pain, tiredness, and a feeling of heaviness of the legs. The above symptoms are worsened by periods of standing.
Venous Disease (poor vein circulation in the legs)
Symptoms Include:
- Sudden leg pain
- Sudden or long standing leg swelling
- Lower leg skin discoloration
- Sores located above the ankle
Society for Vascular Surgery www.vascularweb.org
Vascular Disease Foundation www.vdf.org
Society of Vascular Nursing www.svnnet.org
National Vascular Surgery Societies www.vascularweb.org
Society of Vascular Ultrasound www.svunet.org