Keeping your vascular system in shape

Every heartbeat sends life through your body, carrying oxygen, nutrients and healing power to every cell. When your vascular system is healthy, it keeps everything moving smoothly. But when something blocks or weakens those vital pathways, it can affect your energy, comfort and even your life.

Hasan Aldailami, MD, a vascular surgeon at HonorHealth, shares how this intricate system functions, and how caring for it can help you protect, repair and restore your body’s natural flow.

Understanding arterial vascular disease

Sometimes, problems can develop that require evaluation by a doctor. "Symptoms of what we call arterial vascular disease can include pain in the extremities, skin changes or even muscle paralysis in extreme cases," Dr. Aldailami says.

These issues can be caused by the buildup of plaque, cholesterol and calcium that narrow the artery channels. Sometimes a blood clot can form, and that can put the health of your limbs in jeopardy or may even be life-threatening.

Plaque build-up can weaken the wall of the arteries and cause the wall to expand and form an aneurysm, a balloon-like swelling on a vessel. "An aneurysm could potentially rupture and result in serious, or even fatal, bleeding," Dr. Aldailami says.

To help patients, cardiologists and vascular specialists like Dr. Aldailami often work together. “Doctors use a range of advanced technologies to check your cardiovascular system,” he states. “No single physician can be an expert in all of them, so we coordinate as a team to make sure every detail of your care is covered.”
 

Restoring healthy blood flow

For example, he says, "if we find a patient with hardening of the arteries (called atherosclerosis) in one area of their body, we often have to screen all the other areas to identify where the disease may have spread." Physicians use non-invasive methods such as ultrasound, X-rays and CT scans to help evaluate the magnitude of the problem.

Vascular specialists can treat vascular system conditions with modern technology. Some examples include:

• Opening blocked arteries: Tiny balloons can widen a narrowed artery, and a stent helps keep it open.
• Removing blood clots: Special clot-dissolving medications help clear the blockage.
• Repairing aneurysms: Stents covered with special material simulating an artificial artery can be inserted inside an aneurysm to seal it and redirect the blood flow.
   

How to protect your vascular health

Keeping your vascular system healthy starts with regular check-ups with your primary care physician. They’ll monitor your blood pressure, levels of cholesterol and lipids (fats, oils and hormones), blood sugar and other important levels in your blood.

Dr. Aldailami also recommends simple daily habits to support your arteries: following a balanced, low-fat diet, getting regular exercise and avoiding tobacco. "Small, consistent steps can make a big difference in your overall vascular health."