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Vascular Diseases: A Preventable Killer

Homeopathic Journal :: Volume: 2, Issue: 4, Feb 2009 (General Theme) - from Homeorizon.com

Author : Dr. Sudershan Bhatti, Ludhiana, Punjab

Article Updated: Oct 18, 2009

Vascular disease is a major health problem in India. One in 20 people over 50 years of age have vascular disease. It is not just "poor circulation". It includes various forms of peripheral arterial disease affecting the arteries taking blood to the arms and the legs, carotid artery disease affecting the arteries taking blood to the brain and renal artery disease limiting the blood flow to the kidneys causing high blood pressure or renal failure.

Arterial disease is most often caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). When atherosclerosis develops, the normally smooth linings of the arteries become narrow and rough from the buildup of plaque, which is made up of cholesterol and calcium deposits.

Most people know the risk factors that lead to heart disease such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure and diabetes. Stroke shares many of these risk factors in fact, the two diseases coexist quite often and may have to be tackled at the same time. The modifiable risk factors are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol and lipids, physical inactivity, obesity and the presence of heart disease.

Ministrokes are more of a concern because they may at times be ignored by the patient, but they are the harbingers of a deadly stroke, and timely treatment provides dramatic relief.

Risk factors for vascular disease

Cigarette smoking is the first risk factor for developing vascular disease.
Obesity.
Diabetes mellitus.
High cholesterol and lipids.
Heart disease.
High-stress lifestyle.
Older than age 50.
Sedentary lifestyle.
High blood pressure

Symptoms of different vascular diseases which are, otherwise, preventable. (Patients with any of these disorders may have no symptoms) :

Peripheral artery disease

Leg pain with exercise.
Leg swelling.
Weakness or tiredness in the legs.
Sores on the feet or legs that won't heal.

Carotid artery disease

Temporary loss of vision in one eye, or blurred or double vision.
Confusion.
Loss of balance or coordination.
Numbness or weakness on one side of the body.
Slurred speech or difficulty in speaking.
Change in the ability to use arms and legs.
Stroke

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Often no symptoms.
Dizziness.
Sudden onset of abdominal or back pain

Renal artery disease

High blood pressure (hypertension).
Acute renal ( kidney ) failure

Mesenteric artery disease

Abdominal pain, especially after eating.
Unwanted weight loss.
Venous disease.
Leg swelling.
Sores on lower legs that do not heal.
Leg pain.
Dilated varicose leg veins

How can you lower your own Risk factors?
The more you know about vascular disease and what causes it, the better you can address the problem and work to lower your chances of getting it. The best way to lower your risk of developing vascular disease is to:

Stop smoking.
Maintain your management of diabetes, if you have the disease with diet & medications.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy diet (heart healthy, low sodium).
Tell your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of vascular disease.
Control your blood pressure, with diet or medications.
Lower blood cholesterol levels, if elevated, with diet or medication.

Treatment Options:
Homoeopathy treatment options depend on a number of factors that will be explained by the Physician. Nearly 80 percent strokes can be prevented and the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease can be greatly reduced by lifestyle changes also. Often a combination of risk reduction, medicines, less-invasive treatment options and surgery also provides the patient with chance for a good outcome.

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