Angiopathy refers to any disease of the blood vessels, with microangiopathy affecting small vessels and macroangiopathy affecting larger ones. Microangiopathy can cause complications for people with diabetes, while macroangiopathy can lead to coronary artery, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease. Some medications can also cause angiopathy as a rare but serious side effect. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, and early diagnosis and treatment are important for managing the disease. Patients with a family history of the disease or diabetes are often screened regularly.
Angiopathy is the term used for any disease of the blood vessels. This is a generic term, with more specific terms used to describe certain diseases and the areas they affect. There are many different types of angiopathy, but the most common are cerebral amyloid, congophilic, and diabetic. These are classified under the two strains of microangiopathy and macroangiopathy, which affect the smallest and largest vessels, respectively.
Microangiopathy occurs when capillary walls become thick and weaken, causing protein leakage, bleeding, and slow blood flow. This type of angiopathy is an important complication that can often affect people with diabetes mellitus. Common areas affected by microangiopathy include the blood vessels of the eyes. This can sometimes cause blindness if not taken care of properly.
Macroangiopathy, on the other hand, occurs when fatty deposits and blood clots build up inside larger blood vessels, such as arteries. These deposits stick to the blood vessel walls and thus block the flow of blood. This can cause coronary artery, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease. In some cases, it can also lead to strokes in the heart or brain or clots in the legs.
Angiopathy has also been reported as a side effect with some medications. Medications ranging from birth control to antidepressants to migraine-relieving drugs have listed it as a rare, but serious, side effect from use. This side effect typically occurs in less than 1% of users. Those who are already dealing with angiopathy or are at high risk are generally advised to talk to their doctor about alternatives before starting medications that can cause this side effect.
Self-diagnosis of angiopathy is usually difficult and sometimes even impossible and is typically not recommended. The range of possible symptoms and side effects produced by the disease, together with the possibility of multiple types of disease, usually make self-diagnosis dangerous. It is generally recommended that the identification and treatment of angiopathy be entrusted to a professional. Treatment may include medications, with the aim of treating symptoms, as no effective remedy is known for the disease itself.
Some patients are at higher risk for blood vessel diseases such as macroangiopathy and microangiopathy. Patients with a family history of the disease or those with diabetes are often screened on a regular basis so symptoms can be recognized quickly. Angiography can be used to visualize vessels in any area of interest or concern. Early diagnosis is usually the best method of treatment, as untreated areas can sometimes develop more serious problems.
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