Health Issues

Vascular Disease What Causes Vascular Disease?

Risk Factors that increase the chances of venous disease include:

• A family history.
• Increasing age that results in a loss of elasticity in the veins and their valves
• Pregnancy
• Illness or injury
• Prolonged periods of inactivity – sitting, standing or bed rest.
• Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol
• Other conditions that affect the health of the cardiovascular system
• Smoking
• Obesity

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Preventing Vascular Disease

The best way to prevent vascular disease is to live a “heart healthy” lifestyle – don’t smoke; eat nutritious, low fat foods; exercise; control risk factors and maintain a healthy weight.

Life style changes. The single most effective steps you can take to prevent vascular disease are to quit smoking and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other factors that contribute to vascular disease. Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight also are important.