Varicose veins happen when there is a valve leak or a faulty vein, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the vein. The vein walls weaken, stretch, and bulge. Although the concern about varicose veins is often cosmetic, they are not something to ignore.
Did you now that October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month? Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart abruptly stops beating without warning. Without a beating heart, blood stops flowing to the vital organs and death can follow within minutes. Sudden cardiac arrest accounts for more than 350,000 U.S. deaths a year; that is more than breast cancer, lung cancer, or AIDS.
Circulation is the process of the heart pumping blood throughout the body. As blood circulates, it delivers nutrients and oxygen to the body’s cells and transfers waste away. Good circulation is essential for a healthy life.
Smoking damages nearly every organ in the body, including blood vessels. The chemicals in cigarettes thicken blood and obstruct the flow of oxygen throughout the body. Nicotine hardens and constrains the arteries, slowing circulation and increasing the risk of blockages. One cigarette can damage microvessels to the point of restricting blood flow in the toes for hours.
September calls more attention to cardiovascular health because it is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month!
The US Government’s Dietary Guidelines recommends that all Americans limit the amount of added sugars in their diet to less than 10% of daily calories. “Added sugars” are any sugar or syrup added to food or beverages during processing or preparation. Most Americans consume too many added sugars, often from sugary drinks, and junk food. One out of ten people gets ¼ or more of their calories from sugar.
The American Heart Association recommends that fruits and vegetables should come first in your diet and even has a section on their website filled with heart-healthy and wallet-friendly recipes!
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep Vein Thrombosis is when a clot forms in the deep veins most commonly in the legs. Symptoms include leg pain, cramping or soreness, swelling, and red or discolored skin. When a clot forms in a large vein, there is the danger it will break loose and become lodged in the heart or lungs with serious consequences.
What are Blood Vessels?
Blood vessels are a centrical part of the circulatory system transporting blood throughout the body. The inside of blood vessels is lined with a thin layer of epithelial cells, allowing blood to flow smoothly through the tubes. Blood vessels vary in size, but the smallest is a mere five micrometers where an average human hair is 17 micrometers. The roadmap of blood vessels throughout the body is extensive. If all the blood vessels in an adult were laid end to end, they would measure 100,000 miles long.
Many people experience leg pain and believe it is merely an uncomfortable part of life. However, leg pain is often more severe than a passing cramp. Leg pain can stop you in your tracks. Experiencing leg pain during activity that goes away during rest could be the sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease.
