New Study Just Released: More Americans at Increased Risk for Vascular Disease
New Survey Reveals One-in-Three Americans at Higher Than Ever Risk for Vascular Disease
A new survey just released is issuing a stark warning to baby boomers and the growing, aging population. Nearly 1-in-3 people are now significantly at high risk for developing vascular disease. Also concerning, many of the important conversations surrounding this risk are not happening when patients visit their regular doctors.
Dr. Don Brown of Southern Kentucky Vascular believes our community should be made aware of this survey, and is sharing it with our website visitors and patients. "So many folks are at risk, and the majority may have very little or no symptoms. That's why it's so very important to get a regular vascular screening," Dr. Brown said.
According to a new national survey released today by the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), nearly one in three Americans at the highest risk for developing blood vessel (vascular) diseases have not heard of any of the most common conditions, like peripheral artery disease and carotid artery disease.
From Vascular.org
KEY SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
The SVS released the Highway to Health patient education toolkit which includes videos, checklists and interactive elements to help educate patients as well as referring physicians. The survey revealed these key takeaways:
- Nearly 1 in 3 (29%) Americans have not heard of any of the most common vascular diseases, like Peripheral Arterial Disease, carotid artery disease, or abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- More than 1 in 3 (36%) of current tobacco users and more than half (56%) of former tobacco users have never had their provider talk to them about their vascular disease risk.
- More than 8 in 10 (85%) people are not familiar with the role of vascular surgeons.
- Less than half (46%) of people would opt to see a vascular surgeon for symptoms related to their blood vessels, such as leg swelling or pain or difficulty walking.
This comes at a time when by 2030 more than 100 million people in the U.S. will be reaching an age associated with a high risk of vascular diseases, meaning more people than ever before may require care from a specialist yet a critical gap exists.
From the study
Understanding the Vascular System
As one of the largest organ systems, the vascular system is like a network of highways, with vessels (veins, arteries, and capillaries) delivering oxygen and moving blood to every part of the body. Vascular conditions can slow circulation and impact the way the body functions.
Signs and symptoms of vascular disease (such as pain or swelling in the legs, arms, and feet) can go unnoticed or unrecognized and cause serious or life-threatening complications if left untreated including heart attack, stroke, amputation, and even death."
Credit: Vascular.org
As the study mentions, "Overall health, quality of life, and longevity, is affected by vascular health. The study revealed that more than seven in 10 doctors haven’t talked to their patients over the age of 50 about their risk for vascular disease. Neither had they discussed their Strong Vessel Score [SVS Consumer Survey].
Risk factors for vascular disease include having diabetes, smoke or history of tobacco products, high cholesterol, and/or high blood pressure. The SVS Strong Vessel Score is a helpful and price way to help patients share information with their doctor about risk factors and family history. It is also a great tool that can help create a benchmark and start a conversation with their physician about their vascular health."
Patients should feel empowered to request the SVS Strong Vessel Score when they visit with their physicians.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you are not currently under the care of a physician and are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Chronic leg pain
- Sudden severe abdominal or back pain
- Foot sores that won't heal
At Southern Kentucky Vascular, our compassionate team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of vascular care. Remember, early detection is essential in managing vascular diseases effectively.
Schedule your vascular screening today to ensure you are on the path to a healthy future.