The Impact of Diabetes on Circulatory Health

Diabetes and vascular issues often seem to go hand in hand. Yet, while diabetes can certainly contribute to circulatory problems, the relationship between these two medical issues is nuanced. Here’s a closer look at how diabetes affects the health of your veins and arteries.

How to Keep Your Blood Pressure and Stress Levels Low During the Holidays

Having high blood pressure, or hypertension, can be serious, putting you at a greater risk for complications such as stroke and heart attack. Controlling your blood pressure is therefore important no matter the time of year. 

Does Cold Weather Affect Vein Health?

If you have varicose veins or other circulation issues, you may have guessed that temperature changes can impact your vein health. For example, while summertime heat and humidity won’t cause varicose veins, you may experience increased discomfort, throbbing, and heaviness on hot days if you have them. That’s because our veins increase in size during the warmer weather in a phenomenon known as venodilation, which helps to regulate blood flow and keep the body cool. 

What to Expect at an Arterial Duplex Exam

An arterial duplex exam is a type of ultrasound imaging used to see how blood moves through your veins and arteries. Like other types of ultrasound imaging, an arterial duplex ultrasound uses sound waves that bounce off the body’s internal structures or moving parts, such as blood, to create pictures.

Traveling with Varicose Veins? Tips From Our Experts

Staying seated for long periods of time while traveling can be uncomfortable for everyone, but if you have varicose veins, it could also involve some big health risks. 

“In general, having varicose veins is associated with an increased risk of a potentially serious type of blood clot known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT),” explains Vascular Surgical Associates physician Dr. Jeffery Winter. But the long periods of immobility required for traveling can increase your risk of DVT even more. “This means,” he concludes, “that people with varicose veins who travel must take extra precautions to lower their risk.” 

High Blood Pressure and Vein Health

Having high blood pressure can increase your risk for serious health issues, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Also known as hypertension, this condition affects your vein health, too. To avoid these serious conditions, here’s more about how high blood pressure can affect your vascular system.

What to Expect When You Get Your Venous Ultrasound

Venous ultrasounds are used to search for and diagnose certain conditions, including deep venous thrombosis, or blood clots. This imaging can also be used to assess the venous system for the presence of varicose veins and venous reflux disease. 

Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to create images of the veins and is fairly quick and non-invasive. If you’ve been scheduled for a venous ultrasound at our facility, here’s what to expect from your appointment.

Keys to Caring for Your Wound At Home

Whether you have a wound from a recent surgery, or you’ve hurt yourself and need first aid, the steps you take to care for your wound will play an important role in ensuring proper healing. While our providers may send you home with more specific care tips depending on the nature and location of your wound, the following home care tips apply to most wounds.

Aortic Aneurysm: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

An aortic aneurysm occurs when a balloon-like bulge develops in the wall of the aorta: the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. This artery has thick walls that can withstand normal blood pressure. Under certain conditions, such as medical issues, genetic factors, or trauma, the walls may become weak or damaged, making them susceptible to aneurysm.

The Importance of Circulation Health and How to Maintain It

The circulatory system is essential to the body, transporting vital oxygen to every part. But as we age, certain changes may take place within the circulatory system that obstruct its smooth function. 

Fortunately, it’s possible to offset many of these changes with healthy habits. Discover the importance of circulation health and how you can maintain it below.