Signs and Symptoms of Arterial Disease

Today, we want to discuss why you should visit an artery disease specialist in Rogers at the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center for treatment. With arterial diseases being such a dangerous and common health issue, this blog is meant to highlight the three most common arterial diseases, as well as signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for!

1. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the building block of all other arterial diseases, and in some ways, it’s also the simplest. As plaque builds up within an artery, it leads to the progressive thickening of the artery’s lining. This thickening process slowly narrows the artery’s interior, blocking the flow of blood and reducing blood circulation around the body to specific organs or regions of the body. This process, atherosclerotic occlusive vascular disease—atherosclerosis—is best described as hardening of the arteries. All other vascular diseases stem from plaque buildup and arterial hardening.

Though identifiable with routine blood work, atherosclerosis can be nearly impossible to superficially detect if not severe. That’s because there are no major signs or symptoms that Atherosclerosis has begun to form in the body.

Factors that increase your risk of carotid artery disease include:

• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Family history

• Age

• Sleep apnea

• Obesity

• Physical Inactivity
• High saturated fat diet

2. Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Disease is far more dangerous on its face than a simple case of Atherosclerosis, as it can lead directly, and tragically, to death. Carotid artery disease is simply the narrowing or blockage of the carotid artery due to plaque build-up. The carotid artery is the artery that carries oxygenated blood to the brain. Over time, this narrowing may eventually become so severe that a blockage decreases blood flow to the brain and causes a stroke. The process that blocks these arteries (atherosclerosis) is frequently a direct result of high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, high cholesterol levels, and other notable risk factors.

Carotid Artery Disease is often only identifiable when patients start experiencing the worst byproducts of its progression: strokes.

Factors that increase your risk of carotid artery disease include:

• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Family history

• Age

• Sleep apnea

• Obesity

• Physical Inactivity
• High saturated fat diet

3. Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a treatment specialty at the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center, results from a progressive thickening of an artery’s lining caused by plaque buildup. This narrows or blocks blood flow, reducing blood circulation to specific organs and bodily extremities. Bodily extremities, like your legs, are the most noticeably affected by PAD. Much like in the instance of Carotid Artery Disease, if the plaque surface in your artery breaks apart or becomes ulcerated, it could cause blood clots or plaque blockages. Particulate debris from this buildup travels through the circulatory system, impacting blood flow to tiny blood vessels and potentially damaging sensitive organs—like your brain!

Symptoms include:

• Cramping pain in your leg and hips that doesn’t go away with rest
• Decreased lower leg temperature
• Difficulty ambulating or pain while walking
• Toe or foot wounds that will not heal or heal very slowly
• The change of your skin color on your legs to purple or blue
• Gangrene
• Thin, shiny skin
• Hair loss on your legs

Factors that increase your risk of peripheral artery disease include:

• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Family history

• Age

• Obesity

• Physical Inactivity

• High saturated fat diet

Common Symptoms of Arterial Diseases

There are many arterial diseases beyond just these three examples, some nearly as common, that we treat in our office. Many of them are entirely asymptomatic in their early stages, meaning you may have no way of knowing whether you’re currently developing them or not. There are some common symptoms across multiple arterial diseases to be on the lookout for, though. They include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Prolonged muscle soreness

If you or a loved one are experiencing any symptoms listed above, consider reaching out to your primary care provider as soon as possible for a checkup.

Turn to the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center, the Artery Disease Specialist in Rogers

If you require an artery disease specialist in Rogers, come to the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center. There’s no one better at providing the comprehensive vascular care you need to improve your health and get back on your feet. Our experience and constantly growing suite of care options enable us to guide you toward lasting wellness solutions. We work nonstop to prove you concierge-level care for a happier, healthier life.

We are a premier practice in Northwest Arkansas for all the highest-quality vein and artery treatments available. Dr. Haney and our new exceptional vascular surgeon, Dr. Stout, and the expert staff have over 75 years of combined experience taking care of patients’ vascular wellbeing. Helping people is what we do, and it is our mission to provide the people of Northwestern Arkansas and beyond with the absolute best care possible.

You can count on the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center to provide exceptional care results for our patients each and every time. 

So, if you’re dealing with arterial disease, take charge of your vascular care with our Instant Vein & Artery Screening Quiz or by scheduling a consultation.