Vascular Conditions & Diseases

Your vascular system is made up of vessels that carry blood throughout your body. Your arteries transport oxygen-rich blood from your heart to all your cells, and your veins bring blood back to your heart for more oxygen.

Vascular diseases interfere with your body’s ability to move blood in a healthy way. When your cells, tissues and organs can’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, it puts your heart and brain and your overall health in jeopardy.

The vascular disease specialists at CHI Saint Joseph Health have the experience and training necessary to diagnose and treat a full range of vascular conditions. We make your vascular health a top priority by providing the latest diagnostic and treatment options.

Explore just a few of our specialties below. To make your appointment, call 859.313.2255 or find a board-certified vascular specialist anytime online.

Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm is an abnormal widening of a portion of one of your arteries caused by a weakness in the blood vessel. Aneurysms can occur anywhere in your chest, abdomen or legs. They often develop slowly and are dangerous because they can grow larger and, eventually, rupture or break open, leading to severe blood loss or other life-threatening complications.

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease is a narrowing or blockage of the vessels that supply blood to your brain. Caused by a buildup of plaque within an artery, the condition restricts blood flow in the carotid arteries, which are located in your neck. If a small piece of plaque breaks off in the carotid artery, it may travel to your brain and cause a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), known as a mini-stroke.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in your legs. DVT can cause pain or swelling, or it can cause no symptoms at all. It’s a serious condition because if a clot breaks off and travels to one of your lungs, it can cause a life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism. When a blood clot in the leg is detected early enough, proper treatment can prevent it from moving to the lung.

Mesenteric Ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia occurs when narrowing or blockages of the vessels that supply blood to your abdominal organs cause poor circulation. This condition can threaten the health of your intestines, stomach, liver and colon.

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Peripheral vascular disease is a group of conditions (including peripheral artery disease, or PAD), that cause poor blood flow. When plaque builds up inside other arteries outside the heart, blood vessels begin to narrow and deprive the body of oxygen and vital nutrients. Left untreated, PVD may cut off circulation to the legs entirely and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Renovascular Conditions

When vessels that supply blood to the kidneys become dangerously narrowed or widened, renovascular conditions can occur. A common type of renovascular disease is renal artery stenosis, which is when an artery is narrowed or blocked. It can occur in smokers and in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or obesity. Without proper care, it can lead to kidney failure and dangerously high blood pressure.

Skilled Vascular Care, Close to Home

Find the expert care you need at any of our Lexington and central Kentucky-area locations:

• Flaget Memorial Hospital—Bardstown and Elizabethtown
• Saint Joseph Berea
• Saint Joseph East—Lexington
• Saint Joseph Hospital—Lexington
• Saint Joseph London
• Saint Joseph Mount Sterling