Vascular health awareness campaign warns of silent circulatory symptoms

Health experts in Brazil are raising awareness about vascular diseases through the National Vascular Health Week, established by law to promote early diagnosis and prevention. Medical professionals, including members of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV), warn that many serious circulatory issues are often dismissed as mere fatigue or routine discomfort.

Key warning signs include persistent swelling (especially if sudden and unilateral), chronic pain described as burning or heaviness, changes in skin color or temperature, and wounds that are slow to heal. Such symptoms can indicate serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency, or peripheral arterial disease. If left untreated, these issues can lead to severe complications such as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, or even limb amputation.

Risk factors for these conditions include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and high cholesterol. In regions like Mato Grosso, public health units such as the Hospital Central de Alta Complexidade utilize tools like Doppler ultrasound to map blood flow and provide essential diagnostics for patients within the Unified Health System (SUS).