Risk factors vary depending on the type of vascular disease, but several are common.

These include:

• Advancing age
• Family history of vascular or heart disease
• Conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol
• Infection or injury affecting the veins
• Lack of physical activity
• Long periods of sitting or standing
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Smoking

A vascular surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect blood vessels, including arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels.

They provide both nonsurgical care and perform procedures, including open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular treatments, in most areas of the body except the heart and brain.

Endovascular surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat blood vessels from the inside.

Instead of making a large incision, the surgeon inserts a thin catheter into an artery to repair blood vessels. This approach is commonly used to treat conditions such as aneurysms, atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, deep vein thrombosis and peripheral artery disease.

Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove plaque from the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain.

When these arteries become narrowed, the risk of stroke increases. During the procedure, the surgeon opens the artery, removes the plaque and then closes the artery to restore normal blood flow.

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure, your overall health and your age.

Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery, what symptoms to watch for and when you can safely return to normal activities. Following these instructions and attending follow-up appointments are important for proper healing.