(1888PressRelease) February 10, 2010 - Vascular is a word that refers to blood vessels, those little tubes called arteries and veins that carry blood throughout the body. Health professionals often describe blood vessels based on their location, such as cardiovascular (heart), cerebrovascular (brain), and peripheral vascular (all the other vessels in the body). As the heart beats, it pumps blood through a system of blood vessels in the circulatory system. The vessels are elastic tubes that transport blood to every part of the body. Arteries transport blood away from the heart while veins return it back to the heart again.
Everyone at some point in their lives connect with another person who has been involved in some type of heart disease. Thus, the importance of prevention, detection, and treatment add a huge impact in our society. However, "…they know very little about vascular disease outside the heart," says William R. Flinn, M.D., head of vascular surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center and professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Many vascular diseases can produce stroke which is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke is also the leading cause of disability in the U.S., where almost a hundred billion dollars is spent annually on the care of stroke patients, according to the American Vascular Association.
It is estimated that 20 to 30 million Americans are at risk for various vascular diseases, including stroke, peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease and aortic aneurysms. According to the AVA, vascular disease outside the heart causes almost as much death and disability as heart disease, and more than any cancer. "These are very compelling health problems," said Dr. Flinn. "It's clear that most Americans, other than those who suffer from vascular disease, don't know very much about it at all." This series will bring to light what both professionals and consumers need in order to be informed on vascular medicine.
About Insight HD Hugh Downs:
The Insight HD series is distributed to Public TV through a national distributor and highlights the best and most compelling educational stories. Each segment is hosted by America's most well-known anchor, Mr. Hugh Downs.
For more information visit www.insighthdtv.com. Insight HD Address: 595 S. Federal Hwy, Suite 600, Boca Raton, FL 33432.
Insight HD focuses on vascular medicine. 
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