Comprehensive Approach to Diagnose and Treat Vascular Disease
The highly skilled doctors at Loyola Medicine are experienced at treating many types of vascular disease, which encompasses any condition that affects the circulatory system. Vascular disease is the result of artery blockage caused by the buildup of plaque, reducing blood flow to your arms, legs and abdominal organs.
Vascular disease is categorized by the area of the body that is affected:
More specifically, types of vascular disease include:
- Aneurysm— An abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)— An abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, usually in the brain or spine. This is most often a congenital condition, meaning that a person is born with it.
- Blood clot — A mass of blood lodged in a blood vessel, usually caused by damage to the veins or valves within them. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a type of blood clot in a deep vein. An embolism occurs when a clot breaks off and travels to another part of the body.
- Blood clotting disorders — Conditions that cause the blood to be more likely to form clots in the arteries and veins
- Buerger’s disease — Pain in the fingers, hands, toes and feet caused by decreased blood flow due to narrowed or blocked arteries in the arms or legs
- Lymphedema — An abnormal buildup of fluid causing swelling, usually in the arms or legs. Caused by missing, damaged, impaired or removed lymph nodes.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) — The buildup of plaque in the arteries
- Peripheral venous disease (PVD)— Pooling of blood or swelling in the veins caused by damaged veins
- Raynaud’s disease — Spasms of the small arteries of the fingers and toes
- Renal artery disease — A buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries leading to the kidneys
- Varicose veins — Bulging, swollen, purple veins that are visible through the skin and caused by damaged valves
Why Choose Loyola for Vascular Disease?
Loyola takes a multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients with vascular disease, bringing neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons together.
These specialists collaborate with one another in order to provide the most advanced diagnosis and treatment and develop an individualized plan of care for each patient, taking advantage of the many advanced approaches available at Loyola.
Many of the same specialties make up Loyola’s stroke team, caring for patients whose vascular disease has caused an interruption in the blood supply to the brain—resulting in a stroke, which is a medical emergency. Loyola’s stroke team is nationally recognized for comprehensive, advanced and clinically integrated care of stroke patients.
Loyola provides a wide range of services including advanced diagnostic tools, initial screenings, endovascular interventions and genetic counseling for patients at risk for heart and vascular disease.
Your Loyola vascular surgeon will take the time to help you understand your diagnosis, offer you the most advanced treatment options available and work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.
How is Vascular Disease Diagnosed?
Doctors at Loyola approach the diagnosis of vascular disease with great detail and care. In most instances, diagnosis is made based on your medical history, physical exam and symptoms.
In addition to your age, the following factors are known to contribute to vascular disease:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
If additional information is needed to accurately diagnose your condition, your doctor may request a vascular imaging test is conducted, which could include one of the following tests:
Loyola’s multidisciplinary team will work together to complete the necessary tests to provide an accurate diagnosis of your specific condition.
How is Vascular Disease Treated?
Loyola’s vascular specialists are recognized leaders in the treatment of vascular disorders.
From repair of aortic aneurysms to varicose veins, your team at Loyola will implement a treatment plan that is right for you and may include lifestyle changes, medical management or surgery, including:
At Loyola, you will have access to the most advanced treatment options for vascular diseases. Through an individualized, collaborative approach to patient care, Loyola’s specialists are able to offer you the most cutting-edge care.
Following your treatment, your Loyola doctor will continue to monitor your progress to be sure that your treatment was successful and your quality of life is improved.
