Take charge of your artery and blood vessel health

Imagine a network so vast it could circle the earth twice, that’s the magnitude of your vascular system  ̶ 100,000 kilometres of arteries, veins, and capillaries delivering oxygen-rich blood to every part of your body and clearing away waste.¹  In particular, blood vessels are critical pathways that, when narrowed, clogged, or weakened, can threaten your heart, brain, or limbs. Experts have long emphasised that vascular health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked.²

“Our goal is to shift that mindset,” says Hendrik Swartz, hospital manager. “With our advanced vascular lab and dedicated team, we’re not just treating conditions  ̶  we’re empowering our community to prioritise prevention and early care.”

At Life The Glynnwood we offer a modern vascular laboratory and a team of three experienced vascular surgeons, providing you with advanced vascular surgery services and care

One of the most common vascular conditions is atherosclerosis, where plaque hardens arteries, and in many cases can lead to heart attacks or strokes³; or varicose veins, which might signal more than a cosmetic concern. Poor artery health can also cause aneurysms which are weak, bulging vessel walls which can grow over time and can rupture without warning, while peripheral artery disease (PAD) risks pain or even amputation by starving limbs of blood, leading to severe internal bleeding.^4,5 These conditions can often develop silently, and if left unchecked, may escalate fast resulting in medical emergencies where a blocked artery can damage organs, and an aneurysm causing life threatening bleeding.

Regular health checks are vital for managing and treating vascular conditions. Being aware of symptoms is crucial for seeking prompt medical care. For example, severe leg pain with coldness or numbness might mean am artery blockage. A tearing sensation in your chest or back could signal a rupturing aneurysm. Stroke symptoms such as slurred speech, weakness, or vision loss, often indicate vascular concerns. When experiencing such symptoms, seconds count – go  immediately to your nearest hospital emergency unit.

If vascular surgery is needed, the vascular surgeons at Life The Glynnwood are experienced in procedures like angioplasty and stenting to reopen arteries, bypass surgery to reroute blood flow, and endovascular techniques to repair aneurysms with minimal invasion. Our cutting-edge vascular lab is equipped with the latest, advanced technology and equipment to perform the necessary ultrasounds and angiographies to help diagnose and treat vascular conditions without major surgical intervention.

“We’re equipped to manage any vascular issue, from routine checks to complex emergencies,” says Dr Kowalczyk, one of our three vascular specialists. “Our technology lets us see inside the vascular system with incredible clarity, so we can act fast and effectively when it matters most.”

The vascular system may work in silence, but its condition speaks volumes  ̶  neglect it, and complications may occur; nurture it, and you unlock a healthier life.

Nurturing your vascular system starts with simple, proactive steps: eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep arteries clear; staying active with regular exercise like walking or swimming to boost circulation; and avoiding smoking, which damages vessel walls.⁷

Prevention is key  ̶  managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes through medication or lifestyle changes can support your vascular system. Watch for warning signs like persistent leg pain, swelling, or wounds that won’t heal, especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history of heart disease.⁸ These aren’t always part of a standard GP visit, where routine checks typically focus on basics like blood pressure or cholesterol.  Ask your doctor about your vascular health.

With three dedicated vascular surgeons, a modern vascular lab, and a commitment to our community, Life The Glynnwood is here to maintain your vascular health.

To learn more about vascular health explore resources like the World Health Organization (www.who.int) or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of SA (www.heartfoundation.co.za).

References

1. Tortora GJ, Derrickson B. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 15th ed. Wiley; 2016:744.
2. Carnethon MR, Pu J, Howard G, et al. Cardiovascular health in African Americans: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2017;136(21):e393-e423. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000534
3. Libby P, Ridker PM, Hansson GK. Progress and challenges in translating the biology of atherosclerosis. Nature. 2011;473(7347):317-325. doi:10.1038/nature10146
4. Isselbacher EM. Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Circulation. 2005;111(6):816-828. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000154569.08857.7A
5. Criqui MH, Aboyans V. Epidemiology of peripheral artery disease. Circ Res. 2015;116(9):1509-1526. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.303849
6. Powers WJ, Rabinstein AA, Ackerson T, et al. Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2018;49(3):e46-e110. doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000158
7. Mozaffarian D, Benjamin EJ, Go AS, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2016 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2016;133(4):e38-e360. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000350
8. Hirsch AT, Haskal ZJ, Hertzer NR, et al. ACC/AHA 2005 guidelines for the management of patients with peripheral arterial disease. Circulation. 2006;113(11):e463-e654. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.171009