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Causes of Small Vessel Disease

Small vessel disease, also known as small vessel heart disease, is a condition in which small arteries become narrowed in the heart. Women and people with diabetes are more prone to have this disease. Medications and lifestyle changes can help improve symptoms of small vessel disease.

  1. Causes

    • Causes that may be attributed to small vessel disease include a buildup of fatty deposits, called plaque, along the artery walls. Large arteries become clogged, causing small blood vessels to try and take over blood supply to the limbs. Smaller vessels cannot meet the demands when walking or exerting extra energy, resulting in muscle aches and pains. Aneurysms are weakened areas in small blood vessels that balloon out and can cause small vessel disease.

    Risk Factors

    • Risk factors that contribute to small vessel disease include smoking, obesity, diabetes, stress, inactiveness, cholesterol over 240 and blood pressure of 140/90. Women are more likely to have small vessel disease than men. Estrogen levels may play a part in the disease, but it has not been proven scientifically.

    Warning Signs

    • Chest pain is the most common symptom of small vessel disease. The pain may be noticed when performing an activity like walking or climbing a flight of stairs. It may feel like a tightening or squeezing in the chest. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, a feeling of faintness, sweating and difficulty breathing.

    Considerations

    • Left untreated, small vessel disease can result in the heart having to work harder to pump blood through the body, especially when active or emotionally stressed. This inadequate blood supply to your heart may cause heart attack, heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest.

    Solution

    • Medications are prescribed to help control the narrowing of blood vessels. Statin drugs, such as Lipitor, can lower cholesterol and relax blood vessels. Angiotensin receptor blockers lower blood pressure, making the heart pump blood easier. A daily aspirin may prevent blood clots that can lead to a heart attack.

      Additionally, patients should eat a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts. Limit sodium, fats and sugar. They also are advised to quit smoking, as it puts extra stress on the heart and lungs. Patients should drink no more than two alcoholic beverages a day, as alcohol can raise blood pressure. Listening to relaxation tapes, soaking in a warm bath or reading are ways to reduce stress. Regular exercise can help blood flow and improve the heart's muscle function. Talk to your doctor when incorporating a new diet or exercise routine.

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