Health

4 Major Types of Vascular Diseases

Published

4 years ago

July 10, 2021

Vascular diseases can affect anyone, particularly if you have a family history of circulatory diseases or high blood pressure. Vascular diseases range from diseases of the veins, lymph vessels, and arteries to blood disorders that affect circulation. Aventura vascular problems specialists offer treatment services for all vascular diseases. This team of experts uses the latest and best technology to confirm your diagnosis and develop a suitable treatment plan. Below are the four main types of vascular problems they deal with.

Types of vascular diseases

Peripheral artery disease

Like the coronary arteries, the peripheral arteries also develop atherosclerosis, including cholesterol deposits and fat on the inside wall. With time the buildup makes the arteries narrow. The narrowed artery then leads to inadequate blood flow, and ischemia can occur.

Venous disease

Veins are hollow, flexible tubes with flaps inside, known as valves. When the muscles contract, the flaps open, and blood flows through the veins. When the muscles are dormant, the valves end up closing, making the blood flow in one direction.

If the valves inside the veins are damaged, the valves might not close completely. This makes blood flow in all directions. If the muscles relax, the valves in the damaged veins might not be in a position to hold the blood. This can cause swelling in the veins or the pooling of blood. The veins appear as ropes beneath the skin, and they bulge. The blood starts to move slowly, and it can stick to the sides of the walls, and blood clots are formed.

Blood clots

A clot in a vein inside a muscle –generally in the lower leg, pelvis, or thigh – is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When the blood clot breaks and migrates to the lungs, it becomes pulmonary embolism (PE).

DVT can lead to a long-term swelling in the legs and blood pooling. This problem is known as chronic venous insufficiency. If you don’t seek medical attention, fluid will leak into the tissue in the feet and ankles. With time, it might make your skin break and wear away.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge that develops in a weak area within the largest artery in the abdomen. The pressure produced by each heartbeat pushes the weakened aortic wall, making the aneurysm enlarge. If the AAA is not detected, the aortic wall keeps weakening, and the aneurysm continues growing. Finally, the aneurysm becomes very large, and its wall weakens, and rupture occurs. When it happens, there is massive internal bleeding, which is fatal. The best way to break the cycle is to locate the AAA before it ruptures.

If you need proper treatment and care for conditions like varicose veins, blood clots, aneurysms, and other vascular diseases, Soffer Health Institute has a medical team trained to help you with all these problems. You can contact them or book an appointment to have your vascular health evaluation. And note that during this pandemic crisis, many televisits are covered by insurance with no copays.

Health

How Telehealth Works for Addicts in Recovery

Published

7 days ago

March 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Technology has been shaping healthcare for decades, and these days, tech advancements for the health sector are happening faster than ever before. Telehealth has emerged as one advancement that has touched every healthcare discipline, from cancer care to pediatrics. The innovative approach of telehealth is breaking down barriers to care and even reaching those who are struggling with substance abuse.

By leveraging digital platforms, recovery specialists can offer better access to therapy sessions, support groups, and medical consultations. These breakthroughs in accessibility are significant for people in healthcare deserts who are languishing under increased addiction rates and a lack of reliable treatment options.

Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Florida, has seen the benefit of telehealth for recovering addicts firsthand. “Individuals struggling with addiction can now find support and guidance if they do not have access to a treatment center near their home,” he explains. “These virtual programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, similar to traditional in-person treatment, but with the added convenience of digital accessibility.”

Here, we explore the benefits of telehealth for recovery and how clinicians and other professionals in the field can best utilize it for better outcomes.

An increased need for comprehensive recovery

The United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023. This was a notable increase from previous numbers. The emergence of fentanyl as the drug of choice for many and the perpetuation of alcohol and other drug abuses have made access to comprehensive recovery even more important than ever.

“Understanding the options available can be the first step to recovery,” says Padlo. When people have easier access to help, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

The pandemic saw a marked increase in substance abuse, laying bare the need for digital access to recovery resources. During the COVID shutdown, the crucial need for an alternative to in-person treatment was evident, and the benefits of such treatment options allowed clinicians and other professionals to carry this digital access to recovery care through the pandemic and into the post-COVID world.

In addition, those living in rural areas or areas with a lack of access to comprehensive recovery care often have needs on par with those in larger urban areas. Telehealth allows people to access the same professionals that those in big cities rely upon.

Studies have shown that continuity of care is critical to the success of addiction recovery. Telehealth can facilitate ongoing engagement with those in recovery, securing continuity of care and leading to better recovery outcomes.

A modern approach

“Online addiction recovery typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups, all conducted via video conferencing or other online tools,” explains Padlo. The flexibility of these programs allows participants to schedule them around their availability and considering their other commitments.

“We aim to mirror the effectiveness of traditional methods,” says Padlo. “We are providing the same level of care and support through a virtual format.”

Padlo stresses that online recovery can also reduce stigmas that are associated with seeking help for one’s addictions. When those in recovery can participate from the comfort of their own home, they may be more apt to commit to the recovery process.

People will need to consider their personal circumstances when determining if telehealth for addiction recovery is right for them. They may want to evaluate how comfortable they are with technology and whether they have a stable internet connection. Also, it helps to have a strong support system to keep one accountable since it can sometimes be easier to ignore digital meeting commitments.

However, Padlo cautions that those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring addictions may fare better with in-person detox and recovery.

Telehealth can be a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. The option offers a range of benefits, including easier access, privacy, and even savings for some. According to a recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University, telehealth may be just the solution to overcoming the stigma of rehab and recovery and radically reducing barriers for people who need it the most.

While telehealth for addiction recovery may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and some people may require more intensive care and medical intervention, it has broken barriers for those in areas of limited access to recovery or seeking an option that offers more privacy.

As the field of virtual health delivery continues to evolve, the benefits of telehealth for addiction recovery will become clear. Telehealth provides comprehensive, discrete, and effective care for those starting or continuing their recovery journey.