Vascular disease affects the blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body, including your arteries and veins. These conditions can develop when blood vessels become narrowed, blocked, weakened or damaged.
There is not one single cause of vascular disease. Your risk may depend on your health history, lifestyle, family history and other factors. Some risk factors can be managed with healthy habits and medical care. Others cannot be changed, but knowing about them can help you and your provider watch your vascular health more closely.
Vascular disease often develops over time. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking can damage blood vessels and affect blood flow.
Some types of vascular disease affect arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. Others affect veins, which carry blood back to the heart. Risk factors can vary depending on the type of vascular disease, but many are shared across multiple conditions.
Understanding your risk can help you take steps to protect your blood vessels, heart and overall health.
Many vascular disease risk factors can be improved with lifestyle changes, regular checkups and medical care.
High blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls over time. This can make blood vessels weaker, narrower or more likely to become blocked. Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range can help lower your vascular disease risk.
High cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup inside the arteries. This buildup can narrow blood vessels, reduce blood flow and increase the risk of vascular problems such as peripheral artery disease and stroke.
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves over time. People with diabetes have a higher risk of vascular disease, especially when blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol levels are not well managed.
Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces circulation and increases the risk of blood clots. Vaping and nicotine use can also affect blood vessels and heart health.
The risk of vascular disease may be even higher for people who smoke while using certain forms of hormonal birth control. Talk with your provider about your personal risk.
Carrying excess weight can place extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. It can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Not getting enough movement can contribute to poor circulation, weight gain, high blood pressure and other health concerns that raise vascular disease risk.
A diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar and sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and excess weight. Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can support vascular health.
Poor sleep can affect blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and inflammation. Sleep apnea, a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, may also raise the risk of heart and vascular problems.
Sitting for long periods or being unable to move for an extended time can affect circulation. It may also raise the risk of blood clots, especially after surgery, illness or long travel.
Certain health conditions may increase the risk of vascular disease or blood clots. These may include chronic kidney disease, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune conditions or a personal history of blood clots.
Your provider can help you understand how your health history affects your vascular risk.
Some vascular disease risk factors cannot be changed. Knowing about them can help you and your provider decide whether you need earlier screening, closer monitoring or preventive care.
If vascular disease runs in your family, you may have a higher risk of developing a similar condition. Tell your provider if a close relative has had peripheral artery disease, aneurysm, stroke, blood clots or other vascular problems.
The risk of many vascular conditions increases with age. Blood vessels can become stiffer or narrower over time, especially when other risk factors are present.
Some vascular conditions may affect men and women differently or become more common at different ages. Pregnancy, menopause and hormone therapy may also affect vascular risk for some people.
Some people inherit conditions that affect blood vessels, cholesterol levels, blood clotting or connective tissue. These inherited factors may raise the risk of certain vascular diseases.
If you have had a vascular condition before, you may have a higher risk of future vascular problems. Regular follow-up care can help monitor changes and guide prevention.
Having one risk factor does not mean you will develop vascular disease. But having several risk factors can increase your risk.
For example, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all damage blood vessels. When these risks happen together, they can have a greater effect on your circulation and long-term health.
Your provider can help you understand which risk factors matter most for you and which steps may make the biggest difference.
Not all vascular disease can be prevented, but many risk factors can be managed. Small, steady changes can help support healthier blood vessels and better circulation.
Ways to help lower your risk include:
Your care team can help you create a plan based on your health history, risk factors and goals.
Talk with your provider if you have one or more vascular disease risk factors, especially if you:
Your provider may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, screening tests or a referral to a vascular specialist.
At Banner Health, our heart and vascular specialists help patients understand and manage their risk for vascular disease. Your care team can review your health history, identify risk factors and recommend next steps to help protect your blood vessels and overall health.
Your care may include risk assessment, preventive guidance, vascular screening, medication management, lifestyle support or referral to a specialist when needed.
Understanding your risk factors is an important step in protecting your vascular health. If you are concerned about your risk for vascular disease, Banner Health can help you get answers and create a plan.
Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist to learn more about your vascular disease risk.
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