When we talk about “heart health,” most of us picture the physical heart beating in our chest. We think of arteries clogged around that vital muscle, heart attacks, and stents. But focusing solely on the pump misses half the story. The heart’s primary job is to push blood through a vast, intricate network of vessels that reach every inch of your body. That’s why your vascular system is just as important as the heart itself.

As we observe Heart Month, it is crucial to widen the lens. Heart disease isn’t just about the heart; it is about blood flow everywhere. In fact, your vascular system and your heart are so deeply linked that problems in one almost always impact the other. Understanding this critical connection can explain mysterious symptoms, prevent serious complications, and save lives.

The Body-Wide Connection

Your cardiovascular system is a closed loop. The same types of arteries that supply your heart muscle also deliver oxygen-rich blood to your brain, kidneys, stomach, legs, and feet. Heart health and vascular health are inseparable; disease in your arteries doesn’t pick favorites.

When arteries narrow or become blocked, circulation drops. This reduction in blood flow affects the legs, feet, kidneys, and brain just as severely as it affects the heart. Yet, because we are so conditioned to worry about heart attacks, we often overlook the distress signals coming from the rest of the vascular system, signals that are just as vital to our health.

The Hidden Danger of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries in the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked. It is a common condition, yet it frequently goes undiagnosed because its symptoms mimic other problems, such as arthritis, sciatica, or general heart-related fatigue.

Classic symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication:This is pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs that happens when walking and stops when resting.
• Numbness or weakness:Legs may feel weak or give
• Temperature changes:One foot or leg may feel significantly colder than the
• Skin changes:Shiny skin on the legs, hair loss on the feet, or slow-growing
• Rest pain: Constant pain in your legs or feet
• Wounds: Open sores that won’t heal on your legs or feet

Why Specialized Evaluation Matters

Our vascular specialists are trained to identify circulation problems that are causing your symptoms. If you have risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you also have risk factors for vascular disease. Taking care of one means taking care of both.

This Heart Awareness Month, remember: your vascular system is every bit as vital as your heart. Your health relies on the smooth flow of blood from head to toe. If you have symptoms that don’t add up, contact Coastal Vascular and Vein Center for an evaluation. Caring for your arteries and veins is caring for your heart, and might just get to the real heart of the problem.