Angiopathy can occur in any area of the body and is often referred to in terms of the body area it affects, such as:

There are two types of angiopathy:

• Macroangiopathy. A disease in which fat and plaque build up in large blood vessels, stick to the vessel walls and block blood flow. Types of macroangiopathy include:
  
  
• • Coronary artery disease. Affects the muscles of the heart, resulting in an increased risk of heart attack.
    
    
  • Cerebrovascular disease. Damages the blood vessels serving the brain (carotid arteries), causing a higher risk of stroke.
    
    
  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Occurs in arteries throughout the body, including the legs and arms, resulting in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Decreased blood flow to the legs and feet may also result in sores and infections that can lead to amputation.
    
    
• Microangiopathy. Disease of the small blood vessels, which become thick and weak. Microangiopathy may cause bleeding, leakage of protein and impaired blood flow. Types of microangiopathy include:
  
  
• • Diabetic retinopathy. Affects the retina of the eye, causing vision problems and blindness.
    
    
  • • Nonproliferative retinopathy. Blood vessels close off or weaken and leak blood, fluid and fat into the eye.  
      
      
    • Proliferative retinopathy. As retinopathy progresses and blood vessels close off, new blood vessels sprout in the retina. The new vessels are weak and can leak blood, blocking vision. The vessels can also cause scar tissue to grow, distorting the retina or pulling it out of place.

The signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of angiopathy depend on the area of the body affected.