Skip to main content

Vascular Disease

Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC

Cardiovascular Disease Specialists & Internal Medicine located in Port Arthur, TX

If you have frequent cramping or weakness in your arms or legs, it could be a warning sign of vascular disease. At Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC in Port Arthur, Texas, the experienced cardiologists offer comprehensive diagnostic testing on-site to evaluate your blood circulation. The team customizes treatment plans to improve the health of your blood vessels, reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Call Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC or book a consultation online today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for vascular disease.

Vascular Disease Q & A

What is vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular disease causes the peripheral blood vessels to narrow. These vessels carry blood to your arms, legs, stomach, and kidneys.

The two kinds of vascular disease are:

Organic peripheral vascular disease

Organic peripheral vascular disease is the result of structural changes in your blood vessels. These changes can include inflammation and tissue damage.

A common organic peripheral vascular disease is peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition develops when fatty deposits in the lining of your artery walls restrict the blood circulation in your peripheral arteries.

Functional peripheral vascular disease

Functional peripheral vascular disease doesn’t have an organic cause.

Triggers that cause this kind of disease can include emotional stress, smoking, cold temperatures, and working with vibrating machinery.

How is vascular disease diagnosed?

The Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC team offers on-site diagnostic testing to identify peripheral artery disease. You should schedule an evaluation if you have symptoms of vascular disease, like frequently cramping or weakness in your legs, arms, hands, or feet.

Diagnostic testing includes a physical exam and diagnostic imaging:

  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • Angiography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging angiography (MRA)


The team also reviews your personal and family medical histories, lifestyle, and diet to determine your risk of developing vascular disease.

How is vascular disease treated?

Your treatment plan for vascular disease can include medications, antiplatelet agents, and statins to lower your cholesterol.

You might also need to make changes to your lifestyle to ensure that you get enough daily exercise. Also, change your diet to reduce your intake of fats and sodium.

If conservative therapies aren’t enough to treat your condition and relieve your symptoms, you might need angioplasty. During angioplasty, the doctor inserts a catheter with a tiny balloon on its end into your blood vessels. The balloon inflates to widen your vessels to improve blood flow. Your physician can place stents (mesh metal tubes) in the vessel to keep it open.

When a long portion of your blood vessel is narrow, you might need surgery to remove the damaged vein. The team replaces it with a vessel from another part of your body or a synthetic vessel. Blood is detoured around the blockage.

To schedule a consultation to discuss the choices you have to manage vascular disease, call Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC today or book an appointment online.