What is Vascular Disease?

The vascular system is the network of blood vessels that circulate blood to and from the heart and lungs. Vascular diseases are common, especially as people age. Vascular diseases include peripheral artery disease (PAD, also referred to as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries); abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), caused by progressive weakening of the aortic wall, which results in the vessel “ballooning” and possible eventual rupturing; and carotid artery disease, which usually causes a stroke when the main blood vessels to the brain develop a buildup of plaque and the circulation to the brain is cut off.

Untreated vascular disease can lead to serious health problems, such as tissue death and gangrene requiring amputation or other surgery; chronic disability and pain; and weakened blood vessels that may rupture without warning. Deadly complications can include a stroke (a clogged or narrowed blood vessel cuts the supply of blood to the brain), and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the heart and lungs). 

The Maryland Vascular Center is a brand new facility at Baltimore Washington that combines the most advanced diagnostic capabilities with a full range of treatment options for vascular disease. The center features clinical space with a full-service vascular laboratory and evaluates and treats a wide range of vascular conditions including the two most common problems, PAD and AAA, as well as all arterial and venous diseases, and renovascular hypertension. The center also offers renal therapy and endovascular therapy. The Maryland Vascular Center also has locations at the Univeristy of Maryland Medical Center and Maryland General Hospital.
Many other vascular diseases are treated as well. Wherever possible, the latest non-surgical techniques are used and comprehensive long-term management is provided for all vascular problems.