Aneurysm & Blood Vessel (Vascular) Disease

Blood vessel diseases, like peripheral artery disease (PAD), are often caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of arteries. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol all contribute to PAD development. Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) is often caused by autoimmune diseases or drugs. Vascular diseases can be serious. Learn how lifestyle choices can reduce your chances of aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's disease (vascular spasms triggered by cold temperatures), varicose veins and other conditions. The main symptom of PAD is intermittent claudication (pain in the legs). Many vascular diseases are silent, meaning that there are often no warning symptoms.