What are Varicose Veins?

If you’re over 40, you probably see them; those little purple veins that suddenly seem to appear on your legs. Veins are the soft, thin-walled…

What is Thrombophilia?

Thrombophilias can be defined as a group of inherited or acquired disorders that increase a person’s risk of developing thrombosis (abnormal “blood clotting”) in the veins or…

What is Portal hypertension?

Portal hypertension is high blood pressure of the portal vein. The portal vein, a major vein in the abdomen, collects nutrient-rich blood from the intestines and delivers it to the liver to…

The Home of Interventional Cardiology

SCAI is the only professional medical society in the U.S. dedicated solely to interventional cardiology. We provide the tools and resources you need at each stage…

What is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)?

Disease of the aorta is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. Aneurysms of the aorta can occur in the chest or abdomen, or both at the same…

What is a Stroke?

A stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or when a blood vessel bursts. This typically occurs when a…

What is Mesenteric Artery Disease (MAD)?

Mesenteric artery disease (also known as chronic mesenteric insufficiency) is the hardening of the arteries in the blood vessels that supply the body’s intestines, which is…

What is Fibromuscular Dysplasia?

Fibromuscular Dysplasia, commonly called FMD, is a disease that causes one or more arteries in the body to have abnormal cell development. As a result, areas of narrowing (stenosis) may occur, along with…

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis, commonly referred to as “DVT,” occurs when a blood clot or thrombus, develops in the large veins of the legs or pelvic area. Some DVTs may cause no…

What is Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia?

Ischemia (is-KE’me-ah) is a serious condition in which there is inadequate blood flow and oxygen to a…

What is Congenital Vascular Malformation?

BIRTHMARKS, VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS AND ANOMALIES

Vascular anomalies occur in barely 1% of all births. Yet, because of their rarity, their proper…

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common cause of leg pain and swelling,

and is commonly associated  with varicose veins. It…

What are the carotid arteries?

The carotid arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the head and brain. Located on each side of the neck, these arteries can…

Atherosclerosis Statistic Normal vs. Diseased Arteries

Atherosclerosis is a vascular disease that is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining (intima) of arteries that restricts or…

What is Vascular Dementia?

Vascular dementia is a condition that causes changes in thinking skills. Vascular dementia can cause problems with memory, speech or balance. These changes can happen suddenly…

What is Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud’s Disease (also called Raynaud’s Phenomenon) is a medical condition. It is named after the French physician, Maurice Raynaud, who first described it. Although the…

What is Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a blood clot that lodges in the lung arteries. The blood clot forms in the leg, pelvic, or arm veins, then breaks off from…

What is Buerger’s Disease?

Buerger’s Disease, also known as Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), is a rare disorder characterized by inflammation of the small and medium arteries and veins. It affects about…

What is Arteriovenous Malformation?

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a vascular disorder in which arteries and veins are connected directly rather than through capillaries. This direct connection…

What is Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS)?

Post-Thrombotic Syndrome is when you have the ongoing symptoms of a blood clot, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in the leg. Some people who have had DVT or blood clots in the leg…

What is Lymphedema?

Although many people have never heard of this condition, lymphedema is a common cause of leg or arm swelling due to the collection of too much lymph fluid. Nearly 1 million Americans are affected by…

Diabetes and Vascular Disease

Diabetics have a high incidence of stroke. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to…