When it comes to health, the body often whispers before it screams and vascular disease is a master of disguise. Unlike conditions that cause immediate pain or obvious discomfort, vascular issues tend to creep in quietly, showing up as subtle symptoms that people often overlook or attribute to ageing, fatigue or weather changes.
A slight ache in the calves during a walk, fingers turning pale in the cold or one limb feeling weaker than the other may seem harmless, but they could be your body’s early distress signals that something is wrong with your circulation.
Vascular diseases affect the network of blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. When arteries narrow, veins malfunction, or blood flow is disrupted, the consequences can be serious, ranging from stroke and aneurysm to limb loss. But the good news is that early detection can change everything. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Karthik Mikkineni, Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, shares the silent signs you should never ignore.
Circulation Is Life
Your arteries and veins are the highways of your body. When they narrow, block, or bulge, things downstream suffer, whether it’s your brain, kidneys, stomach, or limbs.
A tightening in your calves after walking. Dr. Karthik Mikkineni states, “Pain in your stomach after eating. One arm is feeling colder or weaker than the other. Fingers that go pale or blue in the cold. These aren’t quirks. They’re early signs.”
Some diseases, like aneurysms or carotid artery narrowing, may have no symptoms at all until something catastrophic occurs. That’s why proactive screening matters, especially if you’re over 50, diabetic, hypertensive, or a smoker.
How To Prevent Vascular Disease (Image Credits: Canva)
Not Just Surgery-A Way of Life
Modern vascular care isn’t about rushing to the OR. In fact, we strive to prevent surgery with early intervention and lifestyle shifts.
Walking builds natural detours-small vessels that bypass blockages.
Hydration helps keep blood flowing smoothly.
Good fats (like nuts, olive oil, and fish) nourish your arteries.
Quitting smoking is like removing acid from a pipe-it slows the damage.
Even multivitamins, particularly B-complex, may support vascular health by reducing inflammation markers.
The Whisper Is Enough
If your body whispers, listen. It’s better to act on a whisper than to react to a scream. Vascular health is about staying ahead of the curve, protecting not just your heart, but every living cell downstream.
Like that patient, your second chance may start with something as simple as tightness in your legs.