Vascular Aging: What Your Doctor Knows About Vascular Disorders
Vascular aging is something that we all have to deal with as we grow older. Although some people are fortunate not to really have problems with vascular aging, a lot of people suffer from various diseases due to vascular aging. If you are one of those people who have family history of vascular diseases, you may have inherited these diseases from your ancestors to be very careful with your health as you grow older.
Common Vascular Diseases That Are Associated with Vascular Aging
Venous disease is one of the common problems associated with vascular aging. Actually, vascular aging is not the only reason why people suffer from this type of disease. Both the young and the old are prone to this disease. Why happens when you have venous disease? Venous disease is caused by inflammation or blockage in the veins especially around your legs. This condition can lead to difficulty in walking, pain, swelling and even leg ulcers. Although this type of disease is not exact serious, if not treated properly, this type of disease can lead to complications.
Another vascular disorder that is often linked with vascular aging is renal artery disease. This disease is caused by a blockage in the renal arteries. Unlike the venous disease that is not really serious, renal artery disease can be quite fatal. When the arteries around the renal area are blocked, kidney functions may be impaired which can lead to further complications like high blood pressure.
Aside from renal artery disease, another serious disorder that can be linked to vascular aging is abdominal aortic aneurysm. Note that the aorta is the largest blood vessel of the body. When this blood vessel is weakened, it can burst and kill the person. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and right treatment, abdominal aortic aneurysm can be cured.
Who Are At Risk For Vascular Disorders?
According to experts, most people develop vascular diseases later in life. People who are already in their 50s and older are more prone to vascular disorders compared to those people who are still in their 40s. Note that vascular aging in a risk factor here. People who are suffering from diabetes mellitus and heart disease are at risk of suffering from vascular disorders. Moreover, people who smoke are more prone to this type of disease compared to those who do not smoke. In fact, studies show that smoking is the number risk factor when it comes to vascular disorders.
