How to Prevent Vascular Disease: Lifestyle Changes and Early Detection

Nearly 50% of all American adults suffer from cardiovascular disease. Arteries and blood vessels are how blood travels within the body to nourish organs and the extremities. When they are not working at optimal levels, your health suffers. To treat vascular disease in South Dallas, TX, you can count on Dr. G. Mark Jenkins and Dr. Luis Bowen at Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group to help you improve your quality of life. 

Early Detection

 All the symptoms that you may be suffering from vascular disease in South Dallas, TX, are not obvious, and they are also not exclusive, so you may think they are the result of something else completely. Ensure you let your doctor know any family history of vascular disease is essential to early detection. If you know your family legacy, having a specialist who can monitor your health is essential. They will recommend regular tests to determine your vascular health, including non-invasive screenings like ultrasounds or ankle-brachial index tests.

Some common symptoms are weakness, numbness, or heaviness in your muscles. You should let your vascular doctor know if your feet and ankles are swelling. This may be caused by vascular insufficiency. If your doctor prescribes cholesterol medication, make sure you take it as directed. 

Lifestyle changes

Proper nutrition is one of the most important things you can do for vascular health. It helps to keep your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure within acceptable limits and helps keep plaque from building up in your arteries. The American Heart Association has a heart-healthy diet that is a good option to follow. It includes various fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein sources. You should avoid processed, salty, full-fat dairy, fried foods, and processed meat like bacon and sausage.

Exercise is the second most important lifestyle change for vascular health. Aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. It is also recommended to add some strengthening exercises.

Smoking is bad for your vascular health, and if you do smoke, you should stop, and if you don't, you should not start.

If you suffer from diabetes, you should keep it under control. Exercising, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help with diabetes.

Get regular medical check-ups and tests.

Contact Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Bowen at Cardiac & Vascular Interventional Group. They provide the help you require for vascular disease in South Dallas, TX. Call the office at (469) 437-3560 to make an appointment today.