Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 36)
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Vim & Vigor • Fall 2 011
The ‘cardio’ in cardiovascular is just half the story. Vascular disease can affect your whole body
If you’re like most people, when you think about your cardiovascular system you think first about your heart.
But don’t forget that your blood vessels are every bit as important to your health. Vascular diseases show up in places you might least expect—from the large arteries that send blood to your major organs to the tiny veins that carry it back from the tips of your toes. Having a parent, sibling or child with vascular disease raises your own risk, but the most significant risk factors for vascular disease are smoking and diabetes, says Gina Lundberg, M.D., a preventive cardiologist and American Heart Association spokeswoman. While some circulatory problems are just annoying, others are dangerous and even fatal. This head-to-toe guide intends to keep you in circulation. Read on to learn more about actions you must take to protect your health. six common vascular diseases, telltale symptoms and
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center