Living life without Vascular Disease!
We are proud of the work we do at the Northern Alberta Vascular Centre, and we will do our best to help you through your journey with us.
We would prefer that your journey didn’t pass through the doors of our Operating Room at all. You can take charge of your own health!
Vascular disease can come from many sources. Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes can all add to your risk. You can reduce your risk by removing some potential risk factors.
General Health
Eating right, exercising and regular physician visits all contribute to your overall health and reduce your risk for vascular disease.
The better condition you are in, the better you will recover from your procedure. A good diet, exercise and overall health will enable you to get out of the hospital sooner and get on with your life.
Healthy Living information on MyHealth.Alberta.ca
Smoking
While the damage smoking can cause in your lungs is well known, the impact on smoking on your circulation and your vascular health is less known. Smoking causes your blood vessels to tighten, making blood flow difficult and increasing your blood pressure. Not only can this cause problems that may require surgery, this also will slow the healing process after surgery. Click here for additional information on nicotine addiction.
There are options for those who wish to quit. Click here for information.
Going through the Pre Admission Clinic? Ask your nurse for information on Smoking Cessation and Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Want to quit after your surgery? Please ask your nurse about quitting. She will get you in touch with our Respiratory Therapists.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a significant risk factor for vascular disease. It is important to keep your diabetes well managed. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to poor circulation, non-healing sores on feet and legs and in the worst cases, amputation of the affected foot or leg.
Learn about Diabetes on MyHealth.Alberta.ca
Read about Diabetes on Alberta Health website
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol contributes to high blood pressure and to deposits in your arteries. Together, these two factors increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Vascular Health Day
The Northern Alberta Vascular Centre, in association with our community health care partners, the Primary Care Network, is proud to announce the first ever Vascular Health Day. All aspects of your lifestyle that can impact your vascular health will be showcased. Keep an eye out in our News and Events section for more information in the coming months.