What Are the Treatments for Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease is a condition that causes problems with the circulatory system in various areas of the body. Some types of vascular disease include peripheral artery disease, peripheral venous disease, renal artery disease, Raynaud's syndrome, Buerger's disease and chronic venous insufficiency. Treatments vary depending on the type of vascular disease. In most cases vascular disease can be treated with medications, but severe cases may require more aggressive surgical interventions. Smoking is a major contributing factor to vascular disease and should be avoided.

Treatments for Peripheral Artery Disease

• Peripheral artery disease is a condition that occurs when the arteries are too narrow to supply the limbs with an adequate blood supply, resulting in leg pain. This condition may be treated by quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Medications may be prescribed to lower blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol and prevent blood clots. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be needed to open up blocked arteries.

Treatments for Peripheral Venous Disease

• Peripheral venous disease restricts proper blood flow to the arms and legs and causes pain in the affected veins. Two types of peripheral venous disease are varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. This disease is often the result of a vein becoming blocked by a blood clot. Treatments for peripheral venous disease include exercise, elevating affected body parts, bandaging the affected area or wearing compression stockings. These conditions may also be treated with angioplasty and stent placements. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the clot that caused the problem.

Treatments for Renal Artery Disease

• Renal artery disease occurs when the arteries in the kidneys become hardened as a result of plaque buildup. This hardening can restrict adequate blood flow to the kidneys. Renal artery disease may be treated with medications that lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Also, stent placement may be needed to open up blocked arteries in the kidneys.

Treatments for Raynaud's Syndrome

• Raynaud's syndrome is a vascular disease that affects the toes, fingers, ears and tip of the nose. These areas may feel cooler than the rest of the body and become numb when exposed to cold weather. Stress may also trigger symptoms. The symptoms occur because the arteries are not able to able to supply adequate blood supply to the affected areas. Medications such as alpha blocker, calcium channel blockers and vasodilators are prescribed to treat Raynaud's syndrome. In severe cases, nerve surgery, chemical injections or amputation may be required.

Treatments for Buerger's Disease

• Buerger's disease occurs when the veins and arteries in the legs and arms become both swollen and blocked with blood clots. This condition is rare, but quite serious. It can lead to tissue death (gangrene). According to the Mayo Clinic, almost everyone diagnosed with Buerger's disease is a smoker. Quitting smoking is the first treatment that will help to improve symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to dissolve blood clots and to improve circulation. Surgery may be required to remove severely damaged nerves or amputate parts of the body affected by gangrene.