Common Terms

Aneurysm – A weak area in a blood vessel wall that can swell and burst, causing serious internal bleeding.

Aorta – The main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body.

Arteries – Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart.

Arteriosclerosis – When arteries get thick and stiff as you age, making it harder for blood to flow.

Blood Clot – A clump of thickened blood that can block blood flow in vessels, which can lead to serious issues like stroke.

Blood Vessels – Tubes (like arteries, veins, and capillaries) that carry blood throughout your body.

Capillaries – Tiny blood vessels where oxygen and nutrients pass from the blood into your tissues.

Cardiovascular – This includes the blood vessels and heart. Like a “roadway” system, it is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the different organs in your body.

Cholesterol – A fatty substance in your blood that can build up in arteries and cause blockages.

Circulation – The movement of blood throughout your body to deliver oxygen and remove waste.

Ischemia – When a part of your body doesn’t get enough blood due to a blockage in an artery.

Medical Management – Ongoing care provided by a vascular surgeon to manage vascular conditions through regular check-ups, medications, and lifestyle changes.

Plaque – A sticky build-up of fat and cholesterol that can narrow arteries and block blood flow.

Thrombosis – A blood clot inside a blood vessel that can block blood flow, which can be dangerous.

Vascular – Refers to blood vessels, which include arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Vascular Disease – Any disease that affects your blood vessels, including arteries and veins.

Vascular Surgeon – Specialists who are highly trained to treat diseases of the vascular system through surgical and non-surgical interventions. They also work with patients to help prevent vascular disease.

Vascular System – The system of blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries) that carry blood throughout your body.

Veins – Blood vessels that carry oxygen-poor blood back to your heart to be re-oxygenated.

Venous valves – Venous valves are one-way valves in our veins that help blood move up from our feet and legs to the heart. They stop the blood from flowing back down to the feet due to gravity.