Growing vascular disease may be hiding behind common leg pain

Many people often ignore leg pain, swelling, or tiredness and think it is a normal part of ageing. But doctors are warning that these symptoms may point to a much bigger health problem called vascular disease.

Health experts say vascular disease is becoming more common in India because of the rising number of people suffering from diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

According to Dr Santosh Patil, a vascular surgeon from Pune, there has been a major increase in cases over the last few years. He says many people do not realise they have a blood vessel problem until it becomes serious.

Doctors say this growing problem needs more attention because it can affect not just the heart, but many parts of the body.

Vascular disease happens when the blood vessels, including arteries and veins, get damaged, blocked, or narrow. This affects the normal flow of blood in the body.

Blood is very important because it carries oxygen and nutrients to all organs. If blood flow slows down or stops, the organs may not work properly.

This can lead to serious problems such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, eye damage, and even loss of limbs.

Experts say vascular disease is not just a disease of old age anymore. It is now being seen in younger and middle-aged people too.

Dr Patil says there has been nearly a 30 percent rise in vascular disease cases in recent years.

He says many of these patients are between 40 and 55 years old.

A large number of them already suffer from other health problems like diabetes, obesity, or hypertension.

These conditions slowly damage blood vessels over time and make the body weaker.

Doctors say this is why people should not ignore their overall health.

Warning signs people often ignore

One of the biggest problems with vascular disease is that its symptoms can look very simple at first.

Many people ignore them or think they are not serious.

One common sign is leg pain while walking. If someone feels pain in the legs after walking for a short time and it goes away after resting, it may be a warning sign.

This happens because the muscles are not getting enough blood.

Swelling in the legs is another important sign. Many people think swelling happens only because of standing too long, but sometimes it can be linked to blood vessel problems.

Other symptoms include numbness in the legs or feet, feeling tired all the time, wounds that do not heal quickly, dizziness, and sudden changes in eyesight.

Doctors say these signs should not be ignored.

Many patients go to the hospital only after serious damage has already happened.

In some cases, people first discover they have vascular disease after a stroke or heart attack.

This makes treatment harder.

Dr Patil says people must understand that blood vessel problems can be silent for years.

By the time clear symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.

This is why early testing is important.

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Lifestyle is making it worse

Experts say modern lifestyle habits are making vascular disease worse.

Many people today spend long hours sitting at desks, watching screens, or driving.

Lack of movement slows blood circulation.

Eating too much processed food, junk food and oily food also increases the risk.

Smoking is another major reason.

Doctors say smoking directly damages blood vessels and makes them narrow.

Stress is also becoming a big factor.

Long working hours, poor sleep and unhealthy habits can all increase blood pressure and affect blood flow.

Diabetes is one of the biggest reasons behind vascular disease.

High sugar levels damage the inside walls of blood vessels.

This makes them weak and increases the risk of blockages.

High blood pressure puts extra pressure on the vessel walls and slowly damages them.

High cholesterol creates fatty deposits in the arteries, which block blood flow.

This combination is very dangerous.

Doctors say if these conditions are not controlled, vascular disease can become severe.

The good news is that vascular disease can often be prevented.

Doctors say simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to improve blood flow.

Walking, cycling, yoga and light workouts can keep blood vessels healthy.

Eating a balanced diet is also important.

Doctors suggest eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.

Cutting down on sugar, salt and processed foods can help protect blood vessels.

People should also maintain a healthy weight.

Being overweight increases pressure on the blood vessels and heart.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps.

Even reducing smoking can improve blood circulation.

Regular health check-ups are equally important.

Checking blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help find problems early.

Doctors say people above 40, especially those with diabetes or hypertension, should get screened regularly.

Experts believe awareness is the key.

Many people know about heart disease, but fewer understand vascular disease.

This lack of knowledge can delay treatment.

Doctors say if you have leg pain, swelling, or unusual tiredness, do not ignore it.

It may be your body’s way of warning you.

With diabetes and obesity rising quickly in India, vascular disease could become a major health crisis in the future.

But early care, healthy habits and regular check-ups can help people stay safe and avoid serious complications.