When we think about heart health or circulation problems, men often dominate the conversation. But the truth is, vascular disease affects women just as much, and sometimes in different, more dangerous ways. Yet, many women remain unaware of the signs, risks, and treatment options, including vascular surgery.

It’s time to change that.

What Is Vascular Surgery?

Vascular surgery is a specialty that focuses on diseases of the blood vessels—arteries and veins. These conditions can include:

• Varicose veins
  
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  
• Aneurysms
  
• Carotid artery disease
  
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  

When lifestyle changes or medication aren’t enough, vascular surgery or minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or vein ablation can restore healthy blood flow and prevent serious complications like stroke or limb loss.

Why Women’s Vascular Health Is Different

Women’s bodies are biologically different, and those differences matter in vascular care. Hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and menopause can all affect the veins and arteries in the body.

For example:

• Varicose veins are more common in women, especially during or after pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus.
  
• Peripheral artery disease may show up differently in women, sometimes as fatigue or leg cramps instead of the typical pain men experience.
  
• Stroke risk is also higher in women, especially those with high blood pressure or who take hormone-based medications like birth control or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
  

Unfortunately, women are also less likely to be properly diagnosed with vascular conditions until later stages, and they may be under-treated compared to men.

When Vascular Surgery Is the Right Option

If you’re experiencing chronic leg pain, swelling, cramping, or visible veins, it’s not something to ignore or brush off as a normal part of aging.

Some signs you might need to see a vascular specialist like Bucks County Vein include:

• Non-healing wounds on your feet or legs
  
• Leg pain while walking that improves with rest (claudication)
  
• Bulging or painful varicose veins
  
• Tingling or numbness in the legs
  
• Sudden vision loss or slurred speech (stroke warning signs)
  

In many cases, minimally invasive procedures can relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent serious complications. Vascular surgeons now use advanced tools that allow for outpatient treatments with minimal downtime, making them more accessible and less intimidating for women balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Empowering Women Through Better Vascular Care

It’s important that women listen to their bodies—and that doctors listen to their female patients. You don’t need to live with pain or accept poor circulation as part of life.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, talk to your primary care provider or a vascular specialist. Early detection can prevent bigger problems down the road, and with modern technology, treatment is safer and more effective than ever.

Your health is worth the conversation.

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join