Vascular Surgery Program

About Your Vascular System

Your vascular — or circulatory — system is a network of flexible tubes that move fluids — like blood — through your body.

Blood vessels carry your blood to and from the heart, distributing nutrients and oxygen to nourish the tissues in your body, and removing waste. Arteries bring oxygenated blood from the heart, and veins return blood to the heart.

Lymph vessels and nodes are part of a cleaning system that removes damaged cells from your body and protects your body from infections.

Vascular disease can range from reduced flow of blood to or from your tissues to other serious, even life threatening problems.

Risk factors for vascular diseases:

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Diet high in saturated fat
• Previously diagnosed cardiac disease

While these factors increase your risk of developing vascular disease, they do not always cause it. However, knowing your risk factors can help guide you to take appropriate actions, like changing your diet or quitting smoking. Some risk factors are reduced with medical management, such as controlling diabetes or high blood pressure with medication.

Connect With Us

To reach the Vascular Program at Lawrence General, please call 978-946-8564.