A funny relationship: arteries take blood with oxygen from your heart round your body; veins return the blood with less oxygen. It is the cycle that keeps you alive.
Sometimes your arteries or veins get narrowed or blocked, and blood can’t go through them as easily. Any slowdown in blood flow keeps your organs from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to do their job. If blood moves too slowly through the vessels, it can pool and form clots.
Coronary artery disease. You have this condition when sticky fat called plaque builds up in the walls of your coronary arteries, vessels that supply your heart with blood. Plaque narrows the arteries, slowing blood flow to the heart. When a piece of plaque breaks off and lodges in an artery, it can block blood flow completely and cause a heart attack.
Peripheral artery disease. Peripheral arteries send blood to your arms and legs. In PAD, plaque builds up in artery walls. Just like in coronary artery disease, plaque narrows the arteries and leaves less room for blood to flow through. If your legs don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients, they’ll feel sore or tired when you walk or climb stairs. Having PAD raises your chance of getting a heart attack or stroke.
Carotid artery disease. The carotid arteries run along either side of your neck. They supply blood to your brain, face, and neck. If you have carotid artery disease, plaque builds up and narrows these arteries, so less blood gets through. A piece of plaque can break off and form a clot. If it gets stuck in a blood vessel to your brain and blocks blood flow, it can cause a stroke.
Varicose veins. If you see thick, twisted, blue or flesh-colored veins in your legs, you may have varicose veins. Valves inside veins keep blood flowing toward your heart and prevent it from going backward. When your veins are weak, the valves can get damaged and allow blood to back up. As it collects, your vein swells up and twists to squeeze itself into the same small space. See your doctor if it hurts or you’re unhappy about the way you look.
Spider veins. They’re like varicose veins, but thinner. They get their name from their spider web-like pattern. You get them when blood backs up in a damaged vein. They can form on your legs or face, and are usually red or blue. You’re more likely to get spider veins after an injury or a lot of time in the sun. Hormone changes during menopause or pregnancy can also cause them to form.
Aneurysm. It happens when an artery wall weakens and bulges out like a balloon. Aneurysms can form in many different blood vessels, including ones in your brain, chest, and belly. If the artery stretches too much, it can burst. That can lead to dangerous bleeding inside your body. An injury or artery disease can cause an aneurysm.
When to call your doctor. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these things: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat, sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, sudden blurred or double vision, sudden pain above or behind your eye, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden weakness or numbness in your face or body, trouble talking or understanding others, seizure, confusion.
Protect your veins and arteries.
To avoid blood clots and other blood vessel problems, take care of your veins and arteries. Eat foods that are low in saturated fat. Exercise most days of the week. If you smoke, quit, because it can damage arteries. To prevent blood clots, avoid sitting for a long time. If you’re on a long flight or car trip, get up and walk now and then to keep your blood moving.
Adapted from WebMD
