Vascular disease
Vascular disease is a broad term used to describe conditions and diseases affecting the arteries and veins. These blood vessels are vital for blood circulation throughout the body, and problems with vascular function may result in adverse health effects.
Vascular health specialists throughout Wasatch Front
Although it isn't something most people generally think about, your vascular health is just as important as your heart health.
This is because your veins carry blood and oxygen throughout your body, so that you have what you need in your limbs and organs. That's why MountainStar Healthcare's hospitals provide vascular care services, ensuring you have access to complete health and wellness for your entire person.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Vascular surgeries we offer
Our vascular surgeons are board-certified with years of experience treating vascular conditions. We give our patients access to complete vascular care to help with everything from poor circulation to the risk of having a stroke. As part of that, we offer many different vascular surgeries, including:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Femoropopliteal bypass surgery
- Other open- and robot-assisted thoracic surgeries, such as:
- Diaphragmatic pacing implantation
- Diaphragmatic plication for diaphragmatic paralysis
- Lung transplantation
Varicose and spider veins
Veins have one way valves to channel blood back to the heart. Varicose veins develop when the valves of the veins become damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, enlarging them and often making the veins just beneath the skin visible. They can occur anywhere in the body, but are particularly common in the surface veins in the legs.
Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Achy, tired, heavy feeling in the area of the varicose veins or generally in the legs, especially after standing
- Burning or throbbing pain in the legs
- Enlarged, twisted and swollen veins that are visible through the skin
- Itching
- Leg cramps or swelling
- Sores that have trouble healing, discoloration of the skin or rashes (in severe cases)
Anyone can get varicose veins, but vein problems tend to be hereditary (run in families) and occur in women. Other factors that can affect veins include:
- A job where you stand or sit a lot
- Age
- Extra weight or lack of exercise
- Pregnancy, hormones and birth control pills
Varicose and spider vein treatments
We offer two specialty centers for treating varicose veins with advanced, minimally invasive procedures at the:
- Heart and vascular care department at Lone Peak Hospital
- Vascular care department at St. Mark’s Hospital
Self-care for varicose veins
Before suggesting surgery or procedures, your doctor may suggest you try self-care for varicose veins. They may advise you to:
- Avoid sitting and standing for long periods of time—to keep blood moving
- Elevate your legs—raise your legs above heart level for 15-20 minutes at the end of the day to help relieve swelling
- Exercise—try 30 minutes a day of walking, cycling or swimming to improve blood flow
- Maintain a healthy weight—to keep extra pressure off your veins
- Wear elastic stockings—to keep blood flowing in the right direction (your doctor can advise you on how and when to wear these)
Looking for a location
Our Vascular disease Locations