Vascular Health Advice
Date issued: December 2023
Review date: December 2025
Ref: A-602/JW/Vascular/Vascular Health Advice
PDF: Vascular health advice.pdf [pdf] 312KB
Stop Smoking
Smoking causes the lining of your arteries to become sticky, which can lead to fats in your blood sticking to them and causing blockages or narrowing’s. Smoking can also delay wound healing due to depriving your tissues of oxygen needed to make new cells.
What support can I get to give up smoking?
Local Support
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One You Plymouth (Plymouth) 01752437177
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One Small Step Devon (Tavistock and South hams) 01392908139
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Healthy Cornwall (Cornwall) 01209 615600
National Support
Lower Your Cholesterol
Having high levels of fats in your diet can lead to increased levels of fat in your blood stream that can become stuck in your arteries and cause blockages or narrowings.
Tips for lowering your cholesterol:
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Choose low fat dairy products
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Remove excess fat from meat
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Reduce red and processed meat intake
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Exercise more
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Eat less processed or pre-cooked meals
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Check food packaging for fat and sugar levels using the colour indication on the packets (Stay in green and amber ranges)
Resources
Keep Active
Regular periods of exercise will reduce your risk of blood clots in your legs post operatively, reduce leg swelling and prevent a build-up of fatty tissue in your arteries and around your organs.
Ways to keep active
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Start with a small walk a day and build up little and often
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Take the stairs
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Track your steps
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Once fully recovered join an exercise class or gym
Resources
Control Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you have too much sugar in your diet, it can lead to increased levels of sugar in you bloodstream which can cause damage to your arteries and the small blood vessels that supply your tissues and skin.
This can lead to your arteries becoming damaged and more sticky, putting you at higher risk of blockages and narrowings. If you have damage to the vessels supplying your tissue, this will delay or prevent wounds from healing.
What can I do to lower my blood sugar levels
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Choose foods lower in sugar. These can be identified by using the colour guide on food packaging. Look for green and amber indications
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Avoid high amounts of natural fruit juices
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Opt for sugar free fizzy drinks and cordial products
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Choose low sugar fruits such as berries, melon, kiwi. Try to avoid grapes, oranges, pears and mango as these have a high sugar content
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Use sweetener in replacement of sugar
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Attend your regular diabetes checks
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Take you regular diabetes medication
Resources
Diabetes UK:
Diabetes UK, Sugar and diabetes
Diabetes UK, Sugar, sweetners and diabetes
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Keeping a healthy balanced diet will increase the chances of a good post operative recovery and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal your wounds.
A healthy diet will also reduce you risk of developing any fatty plaque formations or further damage to your arteries. It will also lower your risk of any further health complications.
Tips for Keeping a Healthy Diet
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Eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day
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Choose low fat options
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Choose low sugar options
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Choose lean proteins such as white meat and fish limit the amount of red meat
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Try to limit processed foods and takeaways
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Opt for wholegrain instead of white bread, rice and pasta
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Eat less salt
Resources
Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure can lead to increased pressure in your arteries which can cause them to become weakened and damaged.
How can I reduce my blood pressure?
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Eat less salt and maintain a healthy diet
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Reduce your stress levels
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Lose weight if you are overweight
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Reduce your caffeine intake
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Stop smoking
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Reduce your alcohol intake
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Take regular exercise
Resources
NHS: See your GP if you have concerns your blood pressure may be high
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/
British Heart Foundation: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure
Lower Limb Health
Maintain good skin care by using regular emollient and if possible a PH neutral soap/shower gel
Monitor skin for any signs of breakdown or pressure damage.
Ensure good foot care by keeping toe nails trimmed and dry skin and callouses managed, this can be done by a local chiropodist or podiatrist
Wear footwear or slippers when mobilising to reduce risk of foot wounds, trips and falls.
Try to keep your legs elevated as much as possible when seated to promote fluid in your legs to return back to your heart.
Elevate you heels off of the mattress at night to prevent any damage to the skin on your heels if this area is vulnerable.
If you notice any signs of deterioration to your feet or legs seek medical advice early as this could be a sign further intervention is needed
