Vascular Awareness Month: dispelling myths and promoting prevention

Posted: 16/09/2024

September is Vascular Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of vascular health, identifying risk factors, and emphasising the importance of preventative measures. In this article, senior associate Lyndsey Skibinski interviews Mr Coleridge-Smith, a consultant vascular surgeon and president of the British Association of Sclerotherapists, to debunk common myths about vascular diseases (vasculopathy) and provide insight on how to minimise your risk.

Understanding vascular health

Vascular health is crucial for everyone. Vascular diseases encompass a range of conditions affecting the circulatory system, which includes the veins and arteries – elastic channels that transport oxygen, nutrients, and blood throughout the body. Healthy vascular function is essential for sustaining life and directly impacts mortality and life expectancy.

Common types of vascular disease

Vascular diseases manifest in various forms, some of the most prevalent being:

Peripheral artery disease (PAD): in this condition, the arteries, usually in the legs, become clogged with fatty deposits, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood circulation. Severe cases can lead to gangrene, potentially requiring amputation.

Carotid artery disease: this disease involves blockages or narrowing in the arteries supplying blood to the brain, significantly increasing the risk of transient ischaemic attacks (mini-strokes, caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain) and full-blown strokes.

Varicose veins: these are swollen, twisted veins often visible under the skin with a purple appearance, resulting from damaged valves within the veins that hinder proper blood flow.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. If the clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Untreated DVT can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, characterised by chronic pain and swelling in the affected limb.

Debunking common myths about vascular disease

Vascular diseases are often misunderstood, leading to myths that can hinder effective prevention and treatment. Lyndsey explores some of these myths with Mr Coleridge-Smith to debunk them:

Myth 1: ‘I'm not overweight, so I don't need to worry about vascular disease.’

"While obesity is a significant risk factor for vascular disease, it is by no means the only one. 

"The main factors giving rise to arterial disease in all parts of the body are smoking and diabetes. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute to the development of vascular disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, but it’s equally vital to manage other risk factors. Lifestyle factors such as eating a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise will protect against the development of arterial disease."

Myth 2: ‘Vascular diseases only affect older people, so I don't need to worry in my 20s, 30s, or 40s.’

"Vascular diseases can develop at any age, particularly among individuals with risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Young adults are not immune. Younger patients are seen increasingly frequently in vascular clinics these days. Early lifestyle interventions (avoidance of obesity, taking exercise, healthy eating avoiding excess sugar and fatty food) can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions later in life."

Myth 3: ‘I exercise regularly, so I must have good vascular health.’

"Regular exercise is beneficial for vascular health, but excessive endurance training can sometimes lead to increased risks, such as higher blood pressure or arterial stiffness. It is essential to balance exercise with proper rest and recovery, and to monitor your overall cardiovascular health.

"Vascular issues as a result of excessive endurance training usually occur in professional athletes, especially cyclists, where they can affect the iliac arteries. But most people do not reach this level of exercise in which they spend several hours a day running or cycling."

Myth 4: ‘I quit smoking/vaping, so I'm no longer at risk of vascular disease.’

"Smoking significantly increases the risk of vascular disease, but quitting can dramatically reduce this risk over time. Within one year of quitting, your risk decreases by about half, and after 5-15 years, it returns to that of a non-smoker for people under the age of 40. It takes longer for the risk factors to reduce in those who stop smoking in later life. The long-term effects of vaping on vascular health are still being studied, and caution is advised."

Myth 5: ‘I don't have any symptoms, so I don't have a vascular disease.’

"Vascular diseases often progress silently, with high blood pressure being a prime example. Known as the ‘silent killer’, hypertension may not present noticeable symptoms, but can lead to severe complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage if left untreated. Regular health check-ups are crucial."

Myth 6: ‘No one in my family has vascular disease, so I'm unlikely to get it.’

"While genetics play a role in vascular health, environmental and lifestyle factors are equally important. Even without a family history of vascular disease, poor lifestyle choices can increase your risk. Conversely, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk even if you have a family history."

Myth 7: ‘I'm too young to need to have my cholesterol checked.’

"High cholesterol can start affecting your arteries early in life. It is recommended to start monitoring cholesterol levels in your 20s, especially if you have other risk factors for vascular disease. Early detection allows for timely intervention and overall improving prognosis."

Myth 8: ‘Men are more likely than women to get vascular disease.’

"While men are generally more prone to vascular diseases affecting larger arteries, women are more likely to develop conditions in smaller vessels. Additionally, certain risks, such as pregnancy-related hypertension, are unique to women, making awareness and prevention crucial for both men and women."

Taking action for your vascular health

Preventing vascular disease begins with awareness and proactive health management. Mr Coleridge-Smith advises: “This Vascular Awareness Month, take the time to evaluate your risk factors, dispel any lingering myths, and adopt healthier lifestyle choices. Regular check-ups, balanced exercise, a nutritious diet, and avoiding smoking are all vital steps in safeguarding your vascular health for the future.”

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