#United States #Rosemont #vascular surgery #Health Awareness #primary care

The Hidden Health Crisis: Vascular Disease Among Seniors

A recent national survey conducted by the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) has exposed a troubling reality: vascular disease ranks among the top three health crises affecting the aging population in the United States, second only to heart disease and cancer. Yet, despite its significance, a staggering one in three Americans lack awareness of this condition. With projections indicating that by 2030, over 100 million individuals in the U.S. will be in an age group at increased risk for vascular diseases, the urgency for greater public awareness and early intervention cannot be overstated.

The Alarmingly Low Awareness of Vascular Disease

While healthcare professionals acknowledge the critical nature of vascular disease, a recent survey found that a shocking 80% of primary care providers are not confident in identifying or diagnosing these conditions. When asked to recognize symptoms of common vascular issues—like numbness in the legs or cold toes—only 6% could demonstrate accurate knowledge. This alarming gap highlights the necessity for primary care providers to collaborate more closely with vascular surgeons, who are trained to manage the broad spectrum of vascular issues.

The Call for Collaboration

Matthew Eagleton, MD, President of the Society for Vascular Surgery, emphasized, "The Society for Vascular Surgery is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with primary care providers, ensuring comprehensive patient-centered care that enhances vascular health outcomes." This collaboration aims to improve overall healthcare quality and patient well-being by facilitating better recognition and management of vascular disease.

Recognizing Risk Factors and Symptoms

Routine medical appointments represent a critical opportunity for healthcare providers to identify risk factors and symptoms associated with vascular disease. Common risk factors include:

• - Age over 65
• - Diabetes
• - Tobacco use (current or former)
• - Hypertension
• - Elevated cholesterol levels

Common symptoms may involve:

• - Pain, swelling, or color changes in the legs, arms, and feet
• - Cramps in the legs during physical activity
• - Hair loss on the lower legs
• - Cold or numb toes
• - Presence of varicose veins
• - Non-healing sores or ulcers on the legs or feet

The Role of Vascular Surgeons

Vascular surgeons are vital members of a healthcare team that may also include primary care providers, cardiologists, and other specialists. They are the only medical professionals fully equipped to diagnose and treat the full range of vascular diseases. Their approach encompasses prevention, medication management, minimally invasive treatments, and ongoing disease oversight. Interestingly, early consultation with a vascular surgeon can often help patients avoid surgical interventions, as less than half of those treated by these specialists require surgery.

William Shutze, MD, Secretary of the Society for Vascular Surgery, stated, "Vascular surgeons are committed to comprehensive care, including non-surgical options. We believe in early intervention, collaboration, and the use of non-invasive treatments whenever possible. Our ultimate goal is to enhance patients' overall health and provide the best outcomes throughout their vascular care journey."

Empowering Primary Care Providers

Primary care providers have a crucial role in advocating for proactive vascular care. Early detection of vascular diseases, along with assembling the right care team, is essential for empowering patients to manage their health effectively, reduce complications, and maintain long-term wellness. The Highway to Health campaign developed by SVS aims to educate both patients and primary care providers about the risks, signs, and symptoms of vascular diseases, advocating for proactive care outpatient health.

Survey Insights

In analyzing the awareness and perception of vascular health, the survey unearthed several critical insights:

• - Nearly 41% of healthcare providers reported limited exposure to vascular disease during their medical training, with 11% stating they received no education on the matter at all.
• - About 67% of healthcare providers fail to address vascular disease risk in patient check-ups.

The Society for Vascular Surgery continues to advocate for enhanced knowledge and communication regarding vascular health in hopes of reducing the prevalence of serious health issues stemming from lack of awareness.

For more information on the vascular care journey and to learn about recognizing the signs and symptoms of vascular diseases, visit YourVascularHealth.org.