Lo que debes saber sobre la medicina vascular y sus altos riesgos

Title: What You Should Know About Vascular Medicine and Its High Risks Profile: Hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia affect vascular health. A surgeon analyzes how to improve lifestyle. Keyword: ['Vascular Health', 'Hypertension']

In our daily life, the term "three highs" has become almost familiar, right? The so-called "three highs" refer to hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, terms well known to everyone. But have you ever wondered how much damage these three factors can cause to the health of our blood vessels, especially in extremities like hands and feet? Today, a vascular surgeon will discuss the relationship between the "three highs" and vascular diseases in the extremities, and we will explore how we can reduce the risk by adding a bit of "health" to our daily lives.

I. How Do the Three Highs "Knock on Our Door"?

What we commonly refer to as the "three highs": hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia, are usually the result of a combination of hereditary factors and acquired lifestyle habits. If there is a family history of these conditions, the risk for subsequent generations increases significantly. Why does this happen? Heredity can influence the "foundation" of blood vessels, how fat is metabolized, and the efficiency with which insulin performs its job, essentially adding an "extra weight" from birth. However, the most crucial factor is the "small habits" of daily life.

Furthermore, as we age, blood vessels tend to "oxidize". These three health conditions often feed into one another; for example, high lipid levels can be caused by diabetes or hypothyroidism, which are "problematic neighbors". All three share a common trait: they tend to disrupt the internal environment of blood vessels, leading to a series of vascular complications. This is particularly true for vascular diseases affecting the hands and feet, which specifically target the more "peripheral" vessels in the arms and legs. They often cause pain and weakness in the extremities, and in severe cases, may lead to the need to "sacrifice" a part of the body (amputation) or even pose a risk to life. When blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids "get out of control", the walls of blood vessels become "scarred", forming piles of "debris" in the form of atherosclerotic plaques, obstructing blood flow. Think of blood vessels as a water pipe; if they are clogged with tartar and dirt, can water flow smoothly? Over time, poor blood flow can cause tissues to "suffer from lack of oxygen", which in turn damages our "body's headquarters".

How Lethal Are Hypertension and Diabetes to Blood Vessels?

The three highs (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia) are truly "priority targets" for the blood vessels in our hands and feet. The blood vessels in the extremities are, in addition to being the "main roads" for the heart and brain, the "branches" that spread through the extremities, kidneys, and eyes. When these vessels suffer prolonged damage from the three highs, they will gradually start to "go on strike".

Moreover, the three highs can also affect the "microvessels" of the skin and internal organs, leading to insufficient blood supply in the skin, causing wounds to "not heal properly", and resulting in "paralysis" of microcirculation in internal organs that leads to loss of function. These damages are like "a frog in hot water", accumulating slowly. Therefore, controlling the three highs is crucial for the health of the blood vessels in the hands and feet; it is a truly important issue.

How to Fight Intelligently and Bravely Against the Three Highs?

Although the three highs (hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol) loom over the health of the blood vessels in the extremities, we are not defenseless! By making some adjustments to our lifestyle, we can effectively reduce the impact of these three highs and protect our blood vessels.

In general, the three highs (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high lipid levels) indeed have a significant "impact" on vascular diseases in the hands and feet, but we have a "health treasure" in our hands! Through smart eating, joyful exercise, a positive attitude, and regular check-ups, we can effectively "halt" the three highs and protect the health of our blood vessels. Let us work together, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and say "goodbye" to the three highs, welcoming a brighter tomorrow!

Author:

Qin Dalei, Wanbei Coal and Electricity Group General Hospital, Vascular Surgery.

Reviewer:

Zhang Jun, Chief of General Surgery and Oncology Department at the Emergency Hospital, Chief Physician and Master's thesis director.