The most common cause of vascular disease is atherosclerosis, a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque that can narrow or completely block blood vessels (usually an artery). Non-controllable risk factors for atherosclerosis include:

  • Aging
  • Family history, especially if you have inherited a gene for a common cholesterol disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia
  • Male gender (until menopause, when risk evens out)
  • Ethnicity

Other common risk factors are controllable and can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication or other medical therapies:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol and blood fat levels (hyperlipidemia)
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Smoking
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Sleep apnea
  • Stress

If you have any of the risk factors above and would like to be screened for vascular disease, make an appointment with us today.