Prevention of Vascular Problems: Lifestyle and Targeted Treatments

Discover how to improve vascular health by embracing a healthy lifestyle.

All problems related to veins and arteries are included in the definition of vascular disease. Italian health facilities – such as spa resorts – affiliated to Italcares take a multidisciplinary approach to tackling these health problems through prevention, treatment and healthy lifestyles. First of all, we need to understand what is meant by vascular disease.

Vascular disease and the role of Italian thermal baths 

Vascular disease includes any condition that affects the circulatory system, which includes veins and arteries. In some cases, these health problems develop silently, leading to sudden and severe cardiovascular events. In order to prevent and treat these health problems, Italian spa facilities make use of natural sources of mineral-rich water to offer end users high-quality programmes and treatments that promote health, well-being and prevention. In fact, the many different types of thermal water in Italy, depending on the area in which each spa resort is located, are particularly beneficial to the vascular and circulatory systems.

For example, the effect of warm water on the body is to improve blood circulation, while water rich in minerals (magnesium and calcium) has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is beneficial for conditions such as arteriosclerosis. Specific integrated treatments (hydrotherapy and mud therapy) add to the variety of Italian spas promoting cardiovascular health and well-being. On the other hand, sulphurous salsobromoiodic thermal water is recognised by the Italian National Health Service for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous effect, making it a valid solution for the treatment of venous conditions. For example, hydrotherapy involves the use of jets of water at different pressures and temperatures to stimulate blood circulation, while the use of mineral-rich mud baths (mud therapy) improves circulation and reduces inflammation. 

Italian spas are able to provide care for a wide range of vascular conditions, thanks in large part to the great variety of thermal waters with specific properties and beneficial effects on human health and well-being. In fact, Italian spa establishments perfectly combine beautiful natural surroundings and health care, offering mineral-rich waters and integrated spa treatments that are an excellent solution for the prevention and treatment of vascular disease, as they can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients. 

A healthy lifestyle is key for preventing vascular disease

When it comes to preventing vascular disease, spa treatments and the beneficial properties of water are not enough, as they need to be complemented by a healthy lifestyle and diet. But this part ‘is in the user’s hands’. Italy boasts a rich culinary and wine tradition (an example of this is the Mediterranean diet, you might want to insert a link here to the landing page of the other article on Italcares about the Mediterranean diet) and an outstanding natural heritage, which provide a setting in which users are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes: 

• a balanced diet – i.e. a dietary plan rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish and olive oil – that lowers the risk of vascular disease such as atherosclerosis; 
• regular exercise. Walking, running or swimming in some of Italy’s most beautiful natural areas (whether along the coast, in the mountains or in the hills) can help you keep your heart healthy, improving circulation and reducing the risk of thrombosis. 

Quitting smoking is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. In fact, smoking is a major risk factor for vascular disease. Italy and its spa facilities offer users an integrated range of health, wellness and prevention services, including when it comes to conditions such as vascular disease. It is therefore up to users to make the most of this opportunity while embracing a healthy lifestyle, and this is facilitated by a territory that combines food and wine, a diverse natural heritage and thermal waters. 

Reference sources: 

Ministry of Health: “Linee guida per la prevenzione delle patologie vascolari” [Guidelines to prevent vascular disease] Salute.gov.it

Fondazione Veronesi: “Benefici della dieta mediterranea” [Health benefits of the Mediterranean diet] Fondazioneveronesi.it

Società Italiana di Cardiologia (Italian Society of Cardiology): “Attività fisica e salute cardiovascolare” [Exercise and cardiovascular health] Sicardiologia.it

World Health Organization (WHO): “Cardiovascular diseases” Who.int

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “The Mediterranean Diet” Hsph.harvard.edu

Gruppo Villa Maria (GVM) https://www.gvmnet.it/press-news/news-dalle-strutture/patologie-vascolari-roma 

Thermae Abano Montegrotto https://www.visitabanomontegrotto.com/indicazioni-terapeutiche/malattie-vascolari-abano-montegrotto-terme/