Risk Factors for Vascular Disease

What are the risk factors for vascular disease?

Vascular disease refers to various conditions that affect your blood vessels, and while there isn’t a single cause, certain risk factors make developing these conditions more likely. These risk factors vary by type of vascular disease, but some are common across multiple types. Some factors are within your control, while others are not.

Controllable risk factors for vascular disease

You can reduce your chances of developing vascular disease by managing these factors: 

• High blood pressure: Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is key to preventing damage to blood vessels.
• High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing your risk of vascular issues.
• Diabetes:  Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of vascular disease. This risk is even higher if you're using certain forms of oral contraceptives.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional strain on your heart and blood vessels.
• Lack of exercise: Physical inactivity can contribute to other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and obesity.

Uncontrollable risk factors for vascular disease:

Some risk factors are beyond your control, but it's important to be aware of them:

• Family history: If vascular disease runs in your family, your risk may be higher.
• Age and gender: Depending on the type of vascular disease, risks may increase as you age. The impact of gender also varies, with some conditions more likely to develop at different ages for men and women.

Regardless of your gender or age, if you're concerned about vascular disease, talk to your doctor about your risk factors and ways to manage them. 

How can I prevent vascular disease?

The best way to lower your risk of vascular disease is by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes:

• Regular exercise: Staying active helps improve circulation and reduces other risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure.
• Getting enough sleep: A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and reducing stress on your heart and blood vessels.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Keeping your weight in check can prevent the strain that leads to vascular problems.
• Eating heart-healthy foods: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins into your diet to support cardiovascular health.

At Banner Health, we're committed to helping you take control of your heart health. From prevention tips to diagnosis and treatment, our specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you're concerned about your risk for vascular disease, schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist today. We're here to help you when you need us most.