Angiopathy refers to a condition affecting the arteries, veins, and capillaries. This condition can be classified into two categories: microangiopathy and macroangiopathy. In microangiopathy, the walls of tiny blood vessels become so thick and fragile that they may bleed, allow proteins to leak, and hinder blood circulation. For instance, individuals with diabetes can experience microangiopathy, where capillaries thicken in various parts of the body, such as the eyes. On the other hand, macroangiopathy involves the accumulation of fat and other substances in larger blood vessels, which adhere to the vessel walls and obstruct blood flow. When macroangiopathy occurs in the heart, it is known as coronary artery disease; in the brain, it leads to cerebrovascular disease. Peripheral artery disease is a type of macroangiopathy that affects blood vessels in locations like the legs.
