This is the dilatation or ballooning of a section of the aorta which is the main artery coming out of the heart. An aneurysm usually occurs because of an underlying weakness in the wall of the aorta at that point. Very often you will not have any symptoms from the aneurysm and it may only be discovered through a chest x-ray or CT scan. Most aneurysms found do not require surgery at the time of finding or in the future. However, they should be monitored by scans to see if they are enlarging. If you have an aneurysm it is important that you do not smoke and your blood pressure should be monitored by your GP. If you have high blood pressure this needs to be well controlled. If one of your close family members (mother, father or brother or sister) has been diagnosed with an aneurysm then you should discuss with your GP whether you should have a scan. This will depend on a number of factors that your GP can go over with you. Surgery may be offered depending on the size of the aneurysm or the rate of change in the size as seen on a scan. The pros and cons of surgery will be discussed with you by the vascular surgeon. If the aneurysm begins to get larger or leak, you may experience chest or back pain. If you have a known aneurysm and you experience these symptoms, you should seek urgent medical advice.

You have two carotid arteries, one on either side of your neck, that supply blood to your brain. Carotid artery disease occurs if these arteries become narrowed due to atherosclerosis (a build up of fat and cholesterol deposits on the inner walls of the vessels). If a clot forms in one of the carotid arteries and reduces or stops the flow of blood to part of your brain, it may cause a stroke. You have an increased risk of developing carotid artery disease if you: • have a family history of atherosclerosis • smoke • have high blood pressure (hypertension) • have diabetes • have coronary artery disease. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes e.g. stopping smoking, exercising more, dietary changes and/or medication. If there is severe narrowing of the arteries and you are having symptoms from this, treatment may involve surgery.

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that may occur over the entire body or only in certain parts, most commonly the face, underarms, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also refer to severe facial blushing. This condition is caused by overactivity of the nerves that carry messages to the affected sweat glands. These nerves are part of the 'sympathetic' nervous system, which means that they are 'involuntary' or not under our conscious control. Treatment may be with medication or, for facial and palm sweating, may involve a surgical procedure known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). Surgery is usually only offered if medication has failed and the sweating interferes with your daily functioning. The surgery is a minimally invasive procedure (it does not require a large incision or cut to be made) and involves interrupting the nerves that supply the sweat glands.

Peripheral Vascular Disease Exercise Advice for Patients with Claudication.pdf.pdf (PDF, 211.5 KB)

Varicose Veins Varicose veins are treated by General Surgery, not Vascular. The varicose vein pathway is now led by clinical nurse specialists, who will assess, order tests and organise surgery if indicated.