There are two types of chronic wounds often associated with cardiovascular conditions: arterial ulcers, also called ischemic ulcers, and venous ulcers, also called stasis ulcers. For people living with heart disease, both arterial and venous ulcers can form when a bruise or scrape worsens or when the skin breaks down due to poor blood supply. Conditions that affect our heart, arteries and veins also limit our blood flow. Without good circulation, the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing cannot reach our lower legs and feet. This makes it difficult for wounds to heal and can even cause wounds to form.
