Vascular Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Vascular disease affects the blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body. Because symptoms can vary widely, diagnosing vascular disease often requires a combination of exams and tests to understand how blood is flowing and where problems may exist. 

At Banner Health, vascular specialists use advanced diagnostic tools and personalized care plans to identify vascular disease early and guide effective treatment. 

How is vascular disease diagnosed? 

Diagnosing vascular disease begins with understanding your symptoms, risk factors and medical history. Your provider may ask about leg pain, swelling, skin changes, wounds that heal slowly or symptoms that worsen with activity. 

Based on this information, one or more tests may be recommended to evaluate blood flow and vessel health. 

Common tests used to diagnose vascular disease 

• Physical exam 
  Your provider checks for signs such as swelling, changes in skin color or temperature, weak or absent pulses and visible vein changes. 
• Blood tests 
  Blood tests may be used to assess cholesterol levels, blood sugar and other markers that increase vascular disease risk. 
• Ultrasound 
  This non-invasive imaging test uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow and detect narrowing or blockages in blood vessels. 
• CT or CAT scan 
  CT imaging provides detailed pictures of blood vessels and can identify aneurysms, blockages or other abnormalities. 
• Stress testing 
  Stress tests may be used to evaluate how the heart and blood vessels respond to physical activity, especially when symptoms occur during exertion. 
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) 
  This simple test compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to help diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD). 

Together, these tests help your provider determine the type and severity of vascular disease and guide treatment decisions. 

How is vascular disease treated? 

Treatment for vascular disease depends on how advanced the condition is and whether symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Many people can manage vascular disease with lifestyle changes and medications, while others may need procedures to restore blood flow. 

Lifestyle changes to manage vascular disease 

Lifestyle changes are often the first step in managing vascular disease and reducing the risk of complications. 

Your provider may recommend: 

• Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels 
• Quitting smoking or using tobacco products 
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Following a heart-healthy diet 
• Exercising regularly, as approved by your provider 

These changes can improve circulation and slow disease progression. 

Medications for vascular disease 

Medications may be used to manage symptoms and prevent further vessel damage. Common medications include: 

• Cholesterol-lowering medications to reduce plaque buildup 
• Blood pressure medications to control hypertension 
• Beta-blockers to slow heart rate and reduce strain on blood vessels 
• Diuretics to reduce excess fluid and lower blood pressure 
• Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications, such as aspirin, to reduce clot risk 

Always talk with your provider before starting or changing medications. 

Procedures and surgery for advanced vascular disease 

When vascular disease causes significant blockages, pain or complications, procedures or surgery may be recommended. 

Common treatment options include: 

• Angioplasty and stent placement 
  A balloon-tipped catheter opens narrowed arteries, and a stent may be placed to keep the vessel open. 
• Endarterectomy 
  Surgical removal of plaque from inside an artery to restore blood flow. 
• Bypass surgery 
  A new pathway is created using a blood vessel from your body or a synthetic graft to bypass a blocked artery. 
• Thrombolytic therapy 
  A clot-dissolving medication is delivered directly into the artery to break up blockages. 

Treating abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) 

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious condition involving a bulging or weakened section of the aorta. Treatment depends on aneurysm size, growth rate and overall health. 

Treatment options may include: 

• Surgical repair to replace or reinforce the affected portion of the aorta 
• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), a minimally invasive option using a stent graft 
• Laparoscopic surgery, which uses smaller incisions in select cases 

Your provider will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your condition. 

Why choose Banner Health for vascular disease care? 

At Banner Health, vascular specialists provide comprehensive care using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments. Our team works closely with you to manage symptoms, restore blood flow and support long-term vascular health. 

Whether you need monitoring, medication or advanced procedures, we’re here to help you return to daily life as safely and quickly as possible. 

Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health vascular specialist to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.