Microvascular disease

Microvascular disease is a pathological condition that affects the microvasculature, the smallest blood vessels in the body. It is often associated with diabetes and hypertension, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Overview

Microvascular disease is characterized by damage to the walls of small blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues they serve. This can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on the organs affected. For example, in the eye, it can lead to diabetic retinopathy, while in the kidney, it can cause diabetic nephropathy.

Causes

The primary cause of microvascular disease is chronic exposure to high levels of glucose in the blood, as occurs in diabetes. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can also contribute to the development of the disease by putting additional strain on the blood vessels.

Symptoms

Symptoms of microvascular disease can vary widely, depending on the organs affected. They may include pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities, vision problems, kidney dysfunction, and in severe cases, organ failure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of microvascular disease typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies.

Treatment

Treatment for microvascular disease primarily involves managing the underlying conditions that contribute to the disease, such as diabetes and hypertension. This may include lifestyle changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery.

See also

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic nephropathy