The Vascular Center at Consulting Cardiologists
Vascular disease is any disease of the blood vessels including arteries and veins. Arteries and veins are our bodies’ roadway that are used to circulate blood through arms, legs, and internal organs. Vascular disease occurs when an abnormal condition affects the blood vessels.
Many people are familiar with heart disease and with the consequences of blockages in the vessels that carry blood to and from the heart. But it is important to realize that blockages caused by a buildup of plaque and cholesterol affect more than coronary arteries. Arteries throughout the body carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, so blockages can occur in all arteries, with serious effects.
When untreated, vascular disease can significantly reduce quality of life and in some conditions can increases risk of heart attack and stroke. When caught early, vascular disease can be treated effectively and improve quality of life.
Types of Vascular Disease
Millions of Americans have, or are at risk for, various forms of vascular disease, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), renal artery disease, carotid artery disease, and aortic aneurysms.
- Peripheral arterial disease Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where the arteries that carry blood away from the heart to the extremities (usually the legs) become narrowed or blocked, This blockage prevents sufficient blood flow to the affected areas, leading to various symptoms and complications. PAD affects more than 12 million Americans and is increasingly recognized as an important cause of cardiovascular death.
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) happens when your leg veins become damaged and can’t work as they should. Normally, valves in your leg veins keep blood flowing back up to your heart. But CVI damages those valves, causing blood to pool in your legs. This increases pressure in your leg veins and causes symptoms like swelling and ulcers. Vein disease affects more than 25 million adults in the United States with an estimated prevalence of up to 30% of the adult population suffering from venous symptoms.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can be serious because blood clots in the veins can break loose, travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in the lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism).
When untreated, vascular disease can significantly reduce quality of life, and even lead to severe disability and death. The good news is, if caught early, vascular disease, including stroke, peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease, and aortic aneurysms can be treated effectively!
About Our Vascular Center
Consulting Cardiologists is pleased to operate a state-of-the-art Vascular Center. The Center is led by Dr. Zain Ahmed, an interventional cardiologist who specializes in coronary and peripheral vascular interventions. Diagnostic testing is offered in Glastonbury, Avon, Wallingford, or Hartford offices. Procedures may be performed in the office, at Hartford Hospital, or at St. Francis Hospital.
Offering the most advanced vascular testing and treatments
- Diagnostic ultrasounds to assess blood flow, narrowing, and blockages in the blood vessels including veins and arteries.
- Minimally invasive techniques using catheter-based procedures, such as balloon angioplasty and stenting, to open blockages and restore blood flow.
- In-office vein ablations to provide symptomatic relief for achy, heavy, tired, and/or swollen legs.
- Minimally invasive procedures entail little to no downtime and minimal recovery time.
- Consultations and screenings are conducted in Glastonbury, Wallingford, Hartford and Avon. Non invasive procedures are done in our Glastonbury and Wallingford offices.
Our Vascular Center will get you in quickly for an accurate assessment of your vascular health. Call (860) 947-4322 to schedule a consultation.