Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (cSVD)

[Doldrums50]

Hi. I was diagnosed with cSVD in December 2022. I’m 51 and was told it is very unusual for someone my age to have this. Not sure where to go for further help. GP and ENT Consultant gave limited advice.

[Hidden]

This is probably just outside the scope of a heart health community. However you could do an internet search as I did did, which came up with a few leads including below.

thebraincharity.org.uk/get-...

[Doldrums50 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. British Heart Foundation publish research studies on cSVD, hence me trying to reach out this way. I’ve googled it way too much already but any help is greatly appreciated 🙂

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Doldrums50]

Hello Doldrums50

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

I live with non obstructive coronary artery disease and I am aware that coronary microvascular dysfunction can also be associated with cerebral small vessel disease.

I am a member of several Facebook groups primarily to support people living with microvascular and vasospastic angina. However some of the members also have a diagnosis of cSVD too.

You may find some further support on these groups.

facebook.com/groups/6267594...

Heart Whisperers and Cohorts group.

[Doldrums50 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for this. Really appreciate your reply 🙂

[Carlettejaque in reply to Hidden]

It's due to the thinning if the small vessels in the brain not providing enough oxygen rich blood. Ot can lead to dementia or altzhiemers. Its caused by plaque build up which cant be reversed but can be controlled with statins and diet. At least that's what doctors will tell you. I've just read a book called the great cholesterol cover up. Written by a long standing GP and heart specialist. Apparently, the book says its not cholesterol that damages the endothelial cells lining the vessels it's stress. Stress is the big killer in heart disease.I'm hedging my bets, I'm taking statins and trying not to get stressed. More difficult than it sounds.

I also read that recent studies have shown that older people with a good sense of smell are much less likely to get dementia because they have a larger brain capacity (it hasn't shrunk with age) if your sense of smell is diminishing it's a warning sign. If not, its really good news.

[Donought]

Hi Doldrums,

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I too have the same diagnosis, aged 48! Well, at least I think I do. I had a private MRI that showed up a brain tumour and either MS or CSVD, depending on whether I listen to the private consultant or the NHS one.

Assuming it is CSVD I am desperately trying to unpick why I have it. I am not obese, don't smoke, drink, eat healthily etc. I do, however, have an issue with high blood sugar - possible insulin resistance but actually I think it's a pancreas issue as well as reactive hypoglycemia. Throw in early menopause, adrenal fatigue and a couple of possibly cancerous Thyroid nodules and there may be an underlying cause.

I assuming my hyperactive thyroid causes high blood pressure - affects my CSVD. Likewise, high blood sugar increase inflammation - affects CSVD. I also have high homocystiene (sp?) - linked to CSVD. I'm unsure if there's a common underlying auto immune issue or whether I'm just unlucky to have a whole host of issues that all feed into worsening CSVD.

How did they arrive at your diagnosis? Have you found any info anywhere else? I'm also at a loss apart from high level science papers, which I do read but would just like some basic info as well.

Best,

D