Blood Vessels: What They Do and How to Keep Them Healthy

Blood vessels carry blood, oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body. Arteries push blood from the heart, veins bring it back, and capillaries link the two. When vessels work well you feel normal; when they don't, problems show up fast — chest pain, leg swelling, sudden weakness, or shortness of breath.

Common issues include atherosclerosis (plaque in arteries), blood clots, varicose veins, inflammation, and high blood pressure that damages vessel walls over time. Many drugs and supplements target these problems; examples are statins to lower cholesterol and blood thinners to prevent clots.

If you notice sudden chest pain, slurred speech, sudden weakness on one side, or trouble breathing, seek emergency care. For slow changes like leg cramps while walking, persistent swelling, or skin that looks pale or discolored, book a clinic visit. Tests doctors use include blood pressure checks, ankle-brachial index, ultrasound, CT angiography, and blood tests for cholesterol and clotting markers.

Medications that affect vessels are common on this site. For preventing clots in atrial fibrillation, read our comparison of apixaban and edoxaban as warfarin alternatives. If cholesterol is the issue, see our roundup of alternatives to atorvastatin. For infection or inflammation that affects vessels, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories may be used depending on the cause.

Supplements get attention, but approach them carefully. Strophanthus has traditional links to heart health, yet it can interact with heart meds. Pu-Erh tea and some herbal remedies may help metabolism and circulation, but evidence varies. Tell your doctor about every supplement before combining with prescriptions.

How to protect your vessels

Simple daily habits cut risk. Stop smoking, move more, keep weight steady, eat mostly plants with whole grains and lean protein, and limit salt and processed foods. Control blood pressure and blood sugar — small drops in blood pressure lower artery damage over years. If you take medications, follow dosing and lab checks; warfarin needs regular INR checks, newer anticoagulants less monitoring but still need follow-up.

Tests and treatments

Treatment depends on the problem. Narrowed arteries may need meds, lifestyle changes, or procedures like angioplasty and stents. Clots get blood thinners; severe clot or infected vessel can need surgery. For chronic venous problems, compression socks, exercise, and sometimes ablation help. Your clinician will balance benefits and bleeding risk when choosing therapy.

Read our related guides: 'Best Warfarin Substitutes for AFib' to compare apixaban and edoxaban, '2025's Top Alternatives to Atorvastatin' for cholesterol options, and the Strophanthus supplement review for natural approaches. Our articles on antibiotics, antivirals, and side effects can also matter when infection or medication affects vessels.

Quick checks at home: know your blood pressure numbers, feel for pulses in your wrist and foot, note color changes or wounds that won't heal. If you start a new drug that thins blood, watch for unusual bruising, black stools, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. Ask for written instructions, know emergency signs, and keep an up-to-date med list to share with any provider.

Got questions? Use our contact page. We update posts often with new studies.