Understand your cardiovascular condition.
Clear, plain-language guides written for patients and families. These pages explain what is happening, what symptoms to watch for, and when a cardiovascular evaluation makes sense. They are educational and do not replace an evaluation by a qualified clinician.
Additional condition guides are added over time. If you do not see your diagnosis here, our team can still help.
Arteries and veins do two different jobs.
Understanding which direction blood is traveling makes many leg symptoms easier to interpret.
Arteries carry blood away from the heart
Arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart out to the muscles and tissues. When an artery narrows, less blood reaches the tissue it supplies, which is why arterial symptoms often appear during walking or activity.
- Direction of flow: heart toward the body
- Common problem: narrowing that limits blood supply
- Typical pattern: cramping with activity, eased by rest
Veins return blood back toward the heart
Veins move blood from the legs back up toward the heart with help from one-way valves and the calf muscles. If a valve does not close completely, blood can flow backward and collect in the lower leg.
- Direction of flow: body back toward the heart
- Common problem: valves that allow backward flow
- Typical pattern: swelling and heaviness that build through the day
Questions about a diagnosis? Start with a conversation.
Our physicians take the time to explain what your results mean and what your options are.