Is Leg Cramping During Exercise a Sign of a Vascular Issue?
You’re working out, but then you feel that familiar cramping in your leg. You may be wondering what’s behind these recurring cramps, and we’re here to help you find out.
Love Your Legs: The Connection Between Vein and Artery Disease and Heart Health
When you think about heart health, your mind might go a few different places. You may think about eating a balanced diet or getting regular exercise. You might focus on kicking a habit that hurts your heart, like smoking, excessive drinking, or eating too much salt. In short, if you want to support your heart health, you can apply your effort in a lot of places.
There’s one area that’s often overlooked but particularly powerful: the veins and arteries in your legs.
Today, our team is focusing on the link between vein and artery disease and heart health. Vascular & Interventional Associates specializes in treating blood vessel issues like peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this way, we help people throughout northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati, Ohio, area protect their hearts.
Why the veins and arteries in your legs matter for your heart
Distance alone might make you think that your legs aren’t a focal point when it comes to heart health. However, your venous system all connects. Blood circulates down to your legs and then gets pumped back to your heart to get reoxygenated. At least, that’s how it works when you’re healthy.
When you have a vein disease, that process gets more complicated. Those deviations can heighten your risk for heart health issues. Let’s look at a few examples to help you understand the link better.
Leg-heart concerns: PAD and deep vein thrombosis
Sometimes, you develop blockages in the arteries that carry blood away from your heart to other parts of your body. Doctors call this peripheral artery disease. PAD increases your risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease. The latter narrows arteries in your heart, making the muscle work harder.
Other times, you can develop a clot in one of the veins in your leg, or deep vein thrombosis. That clot can dislodge and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. That’s a life-threatening situation that strains your heart.
In short, because all of the blood vessels in your body connect, what’s going on in the veins on your legs plays a role in the health of your heart.
How to love your legs to protect your heart
To support your cardiovascular health, watch for changes in your legs. Signs that you might be having a vein problem include:
- A burning sensation
- A feeling of heaviness
- Aching or pain in one or both legs
- Cramping
- Swelling in your feet or ankles
Note if your symptoms improve if you elevate your legs. If so, your blood vessels likely play a role.
At Vascular & Interventional Associates, our team can figure out what’s going on with a painless, completely noninvasive diagnostic vascular ultrasound. If we find that any of the veins or arteries in your legs have an issue, we tailor treatment to address it. In doing so, we help you protect your heart.
Don’t ignore leg symptoms. Make an appointment today to protect your heart by caring for your legs. To visit us at Vascular & Interventional Associates in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, call the office or book a visit online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Holiday Travel Plans? How to Reduce Your Risk of DVT on the Go
If you plan to spend four or more hours traveling, you increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots in the deep veins of your legs. Some proactive steps can lower the dangers this holiday season.
The Unspoken Link: How Diabetes Can Lead to Peripheral Artery Disease
It’s National Diabetes Month, and we’re highlighting how a diabetes diagnosis increases your risk for another health condition: peripheral artery disease. Just as important, we explain what you can do to maintain your vascular health.
What Are the Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Learn about the risk factors and warning signs to watch for so you can protect your health.
What Health Issues Can an Enlarged Prostate Cause?
An enlarged prostate is normal — this gland, found only in men, grows over time. At a certain point, though, it can cause a wide range of urinary problems. Here’s what you need to know.
I Have Terrible Hemorrhoids: Is Surgery My Best Option?
If you’re living with hemorrhoids that you haven’t been able to get under control, surgery could be the right option. Procedures — and their recovery times — vary, however, so do your homework first.