Any type of wound in the body needs a sufficient amount of oxygen, nutrients, energy, and proficient working of the vascular system to heal properly. Comorbidities can be defined as any underlying medical or health condition that may interrupt this procedure and cause slower wound healing. In simple words, when a medical condition diverts these essential resources from the wound site that are contributing to the wound healing process could be considered comorbidity or cofactor that disrupts the wound healing.
Several medical conditions are there that can inhibit or even prevent the wound healing process. Some of those conditions are here as follows:
Comorbidity 1 — Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of chronic foot ulcers with a prevalence of 15%, and thereby people living with diabetes are more prone to develop chronic wounds. The wound healing disruptions for diabetic people start when elevated blood sugar levels narrow the arteries and lead to the wound being deprived of sufficient blood flow and oxygen necessary for cell migration and revascularization. The disrupted blood flow also decreases the functioning of red blood cells responsible for carrying nutrients to the tissues, which ultimately lowers the capability of white blood cells to fight infection.
Comorbidity 2 — Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is simply the arterial and venous insufficiencies where the blood supply flow to the wound site gets affected. This inadequate supply of oxygen- and nutrient-enriched blood results in delayed wound healing. PVD occurs due to a narrowing or malfunctioning of arteries or veins supplying blood to the lower extremities. The wounds are deprived of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, causing slower wound healing. Some of the risk factors for PVD include high blood cholesterol, diabetes, old age, and smoking habits. In case of arterial insufficiency, schedule a bedside appointment with wound care experts.
Originally Posted: https://woundcaresurgeon.medium.com/how-wound-healing-gets-affected-from-comorbidities-e75e0c067678