Health

4 Major Types of Vascular Diseases

Published

4 years ago

July 10, 2021

Vascular diseases can affect anyone, particularly if you have a family history of circulatory diseases or high blood pressure. Vascular diseases range from diseases of the veins, lymph vessels, and arteries to blood disorders that affect circulation. Aventura vascular problems specialists offer treatment services for all vascular diseases. This team of experts uses the latest and best technology to confirm your diagnosis and develop a suitable treatment plan. Below are the four main types of vascular problems they deal with.

Types of vascular diseases

Peripheral artery disease

Like the coronary arteries, the peripheral arteries also develop atherosclerosis, including cholesterol deposits and fat on the inside wall. With time the buildup makes the arteries narrow. The narrowed artery then leads to inadequate blood flow, and ischemia can occur.

Venous disease

Veins are hollow, flexible tubes with flaps inside, known as valves. When the muscles contract, the flaps open, and blood flows through the veins. When the muscles are dormant, the valves end up closing, making the blood flow in one direction.

If the valves inside the veins are damaged, the valves might not close completely. This makes blood flow in all directions. If the muscles relax, the valves in the damaged veins might not be in a position to hold the blood. This can cause swelling in the veins or the pooling of blood. The veins appear as ropes beneath the skin, and they bulge. The blood starts to move slowly, and it can stick to the sides of the walls, and blood clots are formed.

Blood clots

A clot in a vein inside a muscle –generally in the lower leg, pelvis, or thigh – is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When the blood clot breaks and migrates to the lungs, it becomes pulmonary embolism (PE).

DVT can lead to a long-term swelling in the legs and blood pooling. This problem is known as chronic venous insufficiency. If you don’t seek medical attention, fluid will leak into the tissue in the feet and ankles. With time, it might make your skin break and wear away.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge that develops in a weak area within the largest artery in the abdomen. The pressure produced by each heartbeat pushes the weakened aortic wall, making the aneurysm enlarge. If the AAA is not detected, the aortic wall keeps weakening, and the aneurysm continues growing. Finally, the aneurysm becomes very large, and its wall weakens, and rupture occurs. When it happens, there is massive internal bleeding, which is fatal. The best way to break the cycle is to locate the AAA before it ruptures.

If you need proper treatment and care for conditions like varicose veins, blood clots, aneurysms, and other vascular diseases, Soffer Health Institute has a medical team trained to help you with all these problems. You can contact them or book an appointment to have your vascular health evaluation. And note that during this pandemic crisis, many televisits are covered by insurance with no copays.

Health

Choosing the Right Pilates Reformer: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Published

3 days ago

December 22, 2025

Michelle Langton

Buying a Pilates reformer is not about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding the right fit for your space, usage style, and long-term goals. Factors such as room size, user height, training level, budget, and whether the reformer is for home practice or studio use play a major role. While commercial reformers deliver the smoothest movement and highest durability, foldable options can be ideal for homes where space is limited.

Top Choice for Professional Studio Performance

For those seeking premium, studio-grade quality, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus stands out as a leading option. Designed for consistent daily use, it offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet carriage glide along with a strong, stable frame that comfortably supports taller users. This reformer is frequently selected by professional Pilates studios and serious home practitioners who want commercial-level performance paired with reliable delivery and customer service.

Established Names in Commercial Pilates Studios

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 has long been a staple in Pilates studios worldwide. Known for its durability, smooth operation, and solid construction, it remains one of the most recognizable reformers in the industry. Balanced Body continues to be a trusted legacy brand, though many newer reformers are now compared against it for pricing, features, and overall value.

A Balanced Option for Home and Professional Use

The Merrithew SPX Max is often recommended for users who want professional-grade equipment without paying top-tier studio prices. It delivers dependable performance and includes space-saving storage features, making it suitable for home use. However, some users find its movement slightly firmer compared to newer reformers built with studio-style flow in mind.

Best Space-Saving Reformer Without Compromising Quality

When floor space is a concern, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 is one of the strongest folding reformers available. Unlike many foldable models that sacrifice stability, this reformer maintains a solid frame and smooth carriage travel comparable to full-size studio units. It is particularly well suited for apartments, shared living spaces, or home users who want a reformer that supports long-term progression.

Best Folding Pilates Reformer for Small Spaces

Beginner-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Entry-level and compact reformers, such as AeroPilates models, can be a good starting point for beginners or those practicing occasionally. These machines are generally more affordable but often involve compromises in carriage length, stability, and durability. As a result, they may not be ideal for advanced exercises or long-term use.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Before choosing a Pilates reformer, it’s important to evaluate the following aspects:

Carriage performance: Smooth, quiet movement with balanced spring tension
Available space: Full-length reformer versus folding or stackable designs
User fit: Longer frames provide better comfort for taller users
Adjustability: Footbars, jump boards, and accessory compatibility
After-sales support: Clear warranty coverage and responsive service

Final Takeaway

If your goal is studio-level performance, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus is a standout choice. For homes with limited space, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 offers one of the best folding designs without compromising movement quality. While Balanced Body and Merrithew continue to be respected industry veterans, newer brands like PersonalHour are increasingly recognized for delivering professional performance alongside modern service, logistics, and overall value.

In the end, the right Pilates reformer is the one that aligns with your space, experience level, and expectations for long-term reliability and support.