The Winter Circulation Slowdown: How Cold Weather Affects Your Vascular System
Winter brings cozy sweaters, hot drinks, and a chill in the air — but it also brings unique challenges for your vascular system. Cold weather can constrict blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow throughout the body. For people with existing vascular conditions, such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or chronic venous insufficiency, […]
Strong Legs, Strong Life: Keeping Your Mobility Through Vascular Health
Your legs do more than carry you through life — they’re the foundation of your mobility, balance, and independence. As we age, maintaining leg strength isn’t just about exercise; it’s about ensuring those muscles and tissues get the healthy blood flow they need to function properly. Vascular health plays a major role in how well […]
Leg Pain Isn’t Just Aging: When to See a Vascular Specialist
Many people assume that leg pain, cramping, or heaviness is simply part of getting older. But when these symptoms persist or worsen with activity, they may be the body’s way of signaling a circulation problem. Vascular disease — especially Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of leg discomfort in […]
Venous Stasis Ulcers — Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
A slow-healing wound on your leg may seem small, but for many, it signals a serious condition: venous stasis ulcers. These ulcers are the most advanced stage of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and can cause long-term pain, disability, and risk of infection. What are Venous Stasis Ulcers? Venous stasis ulcers are shallow, irregularly shaped […]
Why Are My Ankles Turning Brown?
Understanding Hyperpigmentation from Vein Disease Have you noticed your ankles or lower legs turning brown or reddish? While it may seem like a harmless skin change, this darkening—called hyperpigmentation—can be an early warning sign of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Left untreated, CVI can lead to worsening skin damage and even venous ulcers. Understanding why these […]
Living with PAD — How Exercise and Healthy Eating Can Help
While Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a serious condition, the good news is that lifestyle changes can dramatically improve symptoms and slow progression. Along with medical treatment, exercise and healthy eating are powerful tools in managing PAD. Exercise and PAD Exercise, particularly walking therapy, is one of the most effective ways to manage PAD. Walking […]
Kidney Month and the Connection to Vascular Health
March is National Kidney Month, a time to highlight the importance of kidney health and its vital connection to vascular health. The kidneys rely on healthy blood vessels to filter waste and maintain essential bodily functions. When vascular health is compromised, conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the need for dialysis access arise. The […]
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Vascular Disease: An Overlooked Connection
At the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga (VIC), we see patients every day who struggle with vascular conditions that impact their overall health and quality of life. While many people associate vascular disease with heart attacks, strokes, and leg pain, there is another critical, yet often overlooked, component—pelvic vascular health. The Role of the Pelvic […]
What Types of Fistula Creations Does VIC Offer?
At the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga (VIC), we understand that establishing effective dialysis access is critical for patients with kidney failure. Our expertise includes creating advanced arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, the most reliable and preferred method for long-term dialysis access. Types of Fistula Creations at VIC: Traditional AV Fistula Creation: This procedure connects an artery to […]
What is Dialysis Access?
Dialysis access is a lifeline for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney failure, enabling them to receive life-saving dialysis treatments. Dialysis removes toxins, excess fluid, and waste products from the blood when the kidneys are no longer functioning effectively. Establishing reliable access to the bloodstream is essential for the success of dialysis. […]