Vascular disease

Reviewed by Dr Neal Uren, consultant cardiologist and Dr Patrick Davey, cardiologist and Dr Stephen Collins, GP

How does the doctor diagnose atherosclerotic disease?
The diagnosis is, first and foremost, made on the basis of the medical history. If there is diagnostic doubt or difficulty with treatment, then referral to a specialist for further assessment will help in the management of the condition.

Additional non-invasive imaging tests such as Doppler ultrasound or invasive such as angiography may be done in the hospital.

If there are symptoms of atherosclerosis in the brain (CVAs) or in the legs (claudication), the GP can also refer an individual to a hospital-based specialist for further investigation with scans of the brain (CT or MRI scans) and angiograms for a better understanding of blood flow in the limbs.

What can I do to help myself?
The most important thing is to prevent atherosclerosis from developing. In order to prevent vascular disease, consider whether or not you belong to any risk groups. Risk factors are cumulative - the more you have, the greater the risk of developing a significant problem with cardiovascular disease. To minimise the risk:

quit smoking. Stopping smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac problems by 50 per cent after only one year.

eat a varied and healthy diet including lots of vegetables, products that are high in fibre and low in fat. Avoid saturated fats (animal fat) in preference to fish and vegetable oils.

lose weight if you are overweight.

exercise more.

if you suffer from diabetes Type 1 or Type 2 or high blood pressure ensure that treatment for these conditions is maintained and is optimal.

Future prospects
Vascular disease is a manifestation of atherosclerosis that has developed over years. If its presence is not spotted and its progression not checked, it can result in significant disability and premature death.

Heart attack (coronary thrombosis) and stroke (cerebrovascular accident) are among the commonest causes of premature death.

Every day in the UK, about 60 people under retirement age die of cardiovascular disease and, across all ages, it is responsible for nearly 150,000 deaths each year.

If the risk factors mentioned above can be minimised, the diseases can be slowed down in their development.

Other advice
If you discover symptoms suggestive of vascular disease, or you if you feel that you are at risk, consult your doctor. By doing so you reduce your risk and will be able to decide whether further medication or specialist assessment is necessary.

Early treatment can, in many cases, prevent these diseases from progressing further and aggressive treatment of risk factors may actually result in regression of plaque.

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