PathophysiologyBMS 243

Lecture IVVascular Diseases

Dr. Aya M. Serry

2015/2016

Vascular Diseases

A vascular disease is any condition that affects the circulatory system

Vascular disease ranges from diseases of your arteries, veins, and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation.

When blood vessels become blocked, blood flow will be limited to the different body organs, causing vascular diseases

Vascular Diseases

The following are Some conditions that fall under the category of vascular disease:

• Renal Artery Disease

• Raynaud's Phenomenon (Also Called Raynaud's Disease)

• Buerger's Disease

• Varicose Veins

• Blood Clotting Disorders

• Aneurysm

• Most of these conditions are caused mainly due to Atherosclerosis

Types of Vascular Diseases

1. Renal Artery Disease (Renal Artery Stenosis):

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is the condition where one or both the arteries starts narrowing thereby depriving the kidneys from blood supply. This is often caused by atherosclerosis. 

Types of Vascular Diseases

2. Raynaud's Phenomenon (Also Called Raynaud's Disease) Raynaud's disease is a common vascular disorder characterized by

episodes of constriction of very small arteries (arteriole vasospasm) in the fingers and skin usually in response to cold temperatures or stress.

Symptoms in the fingers include unusual paleness, absence of color (pallor), and/or a red or bluish color to the skin (cyanosis).

A secondary form of the disease, known as Raynaud's phenomenon, affects a small number of individuals. This form of the disorder is usually found in association with another underlying systemic disorder.

Types of Vascular Diseases

Raynaud's Phenomenon (Also Called Raynaud's Disease)

3. Buerger's Disease: Buerger's disease, is a rare disorder that, in most cases, affects

young or middle-aged male cigarette smokers.

It is characterized by narrowing or blockage of the veins and arteries of the extremities, resulting in reduced blood flow to these areas.

The legs are affected more often than the arms. In most cases, the first symptom is extreme pain of the lower arms and legs while at rest. Affected individuals may also experience cramping in the legs when they walk.

Types of Vascular Diseases

In addition, affected individuals may experience Raynaud's phenomenon.

In severe cases, individuals with Buerger's disease may exhibit tissue death (gangrene) of affected limbs.

The exact cause of Buerger's disease is not known; however, most affected individuals are heavy tobacco users.

3. Buerger's Disease:

Types of Vascular Diseases

4. Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the

skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles.

They usually aren't serious, but they can sometimes lead to other problems (Ulcers and clots)

• Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves and veins in your legs.

• Normally, one-way valves in your veins keep blood flowing from your legs up toward your heart. When these valves do not work as they should, blood collects in your legs, and pressure builds up. The veins become weak, large, and twisted.

Types of Vascular Diseases

Causes of Varicose Veins

1. Varicose veins often run in families.2. Aging also increases your risk.3. Being overweight 4. pregnancy5. Having a job where you must stand for long periods of time

Types of Vascular Diseases

5. Blood Clotting Disorders:

• Blood clotting disorders are conditions that make the blood more likely to form blood clots in the arteries and veins. These conditions may be inherited (congenital, occurring at birth) or acquired during life

• Blood clotting disorders may be due to :

A lack of anti-clotting factors in the blood Or an increased amount of pro-clotting factors in the blood

Types of Vascular Diseases

6. Thrombosis (blood clots)

A Venous Thrombus is a blood clot that forms in the veins. These venous clots can block the blood flow through the vein and can also travel to other parts of the body.

Many factors can increase the risk of venous clots including:

1. Trauma to the legs.2. Injury to the veins.3. A recent surgery or hospitalization.4. Obesity and prolonged immobility such as bed rest. 5. People who have had a blood clot have a higher chance of having

another.

6. Thrombosis (blood clots) Most serious blood clots are treated with blood thinner drugs, known as anticoagulants. Anticoagulants decrease the blood’s ability to clot to a controlled degree. They stop clots from getting bigger and prevent new clots from forming.

7. Aneurysm• Is a balloon-like bulge in the artery caused by weakening in the

artery wall. Aneurysms most often occur in the Aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the chest, abdomen and legs.

• A ruptured aneurysm is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. An Aortic Aneurysm is caused by a progressive weakening of the aortic wall.

• An aneurysm in the abdomen is known as Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Types of Vascular Diseases

7. Aneurysm

Types of Vascular Diseases

Atherosclerosis

• Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries walls

• This progressive process silently and slowly blocks arteries, putting blood flow at risk

• Atherosclerosis is the usual cause of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease

• It can occurs in almost any artery in the body. But in the heart (Coronary Arteries) it’s effects can be crucial. WHY?

Atherosclerosis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49skPrZPRfo

Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology

• High blood cholesterol• High blood pressure• Smoking• Obesity• Lack of physical activity

Atherosclerosis Causes

Uncontrollable

• Sex

• Hereditary

• Race

• Age

Controllable• High blood

pressure

• High blood cholesterol

• Smoking

• Physical activity

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Stress and anger

Atherosclerosis Risk Factors

• Many people are able to manage coronary artery disease with lifestyle changes and medications (Prevention and Treatment)

• Other people with severe coronary artery disease may need SURGERY, such as:

1) Stent insertion 2) Angioplasty

Atherosclerosis Treatment

3) Bypass surgery

• healthy blood vessel is removed from leg, arm or chest• This blood vessel is used to create new blood flow path in your heart

around (bypassing) the blocked portion of the diseased artery

Atherosclerosis Treatment

• Get regular medical checkups.• Control your blood pressure.• Check your cholesterol.• Don’t smoke.• Exercise regularly.• Maintain a healthy weight.• Eat a heart-healthy diet.• Manage stress.

Atherosclerosis Prevention