How do I know if I have blood vessel problems?

The following article outlines some symptoms that may accompany certain common vascular problems, along with some diagnostic methods. Symptoms of Vascular Problems As explained, the symptoms of vascular problems vary depending on the specific issue. Below are some common symptoms that may help a person identify a potential vascular problem: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) This is a group of health problems that affect the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the extremities. Symptoms may include: Leg pain upon movement that improves with rest. Fatigue and exhaustion after minimal exertion. Changes in the color of the legs or arms. Skin ulcers and infections on the legs and arms. Numbness and tingling in the extremities. Changes in the color of the fingers and nails. Severe stomach pain and other digestive symptoms such as nausea and weight loss if there is a problem with the blood vessels supplying the stomach or intestines. Severe high blood pressure if the blood vessels supplying the kidneys are affected. Carotid Artery Problems The carotid artery is the main artery responsible for supplying blood to the brain and is located in the neck. Often, carotid artery problems don't cause symptoms until a health complication develops. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include: Neck pain. Headache. Facial pain. Sweating. Heart palpitations. High blood pressure. Vein Diseases Several health problems can affect veins in different parts of the body. Common symptoms include: Swelling in the legs and feet. Prominent veins under the skin, such as those caused by varicose veins. Leg pain. Redness of the skin in the legs. Tingling and numbness in the arms and legs. Neck and shoulder pain. Frequent leg cramps. Aneurysms Aneurysms are a blood vessel problem that often doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms unless they become significantly enlarged or rupture. In this case, the symptoms depend on the location of the aneurysm. Blood Clots Blood clots can form in any of the body's blood vessels and often require emergency medical intervention. In some cases, blood clots may form in deep veins, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), causing redness, swelling, and severe pain in the leg or arm around the clot site. Read also: Medical Glue Injections (VenaSeal) for Treating Varicose Veins Diagnosing Blood Vessel Problems The diagnostic tests used to detect a blood vessel problem depend on the suspected condition and the patient's symptoms. Diagnostic tests for blood vessel problems may include: Clinical examination to check for any visible signs, such as skin discoloration, swelling, and tenderness. Measuring heart rate. Measuring blood pressure. Angiography using ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test. Echocardiography. Triglycerol and cholesterol levels in the blood. Blood glucose test. Blood tests to detect inflammation in the blood vessels, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Kidney function tests. Endoscopic angiography (catheterization of the blood vessels).