Getting diagnosed with a vascular disease, like peripheral artery disease or coronary artery disease, can be troublesome. Luckily, seeing a vascular specialist can make a huge difference in treating vascular disease for the long-term.
Who Do You See For Vascular Problems?
A primary care physician often detects initial vascular issues during a routine wellness check. In advanced cases,emergency care professionals may pick up complications of undiagnosed vascular problems during an emergency visit. Once a vascular problem is identified, the treating medical professional will refer a patient to a vascular specialist.
What Are Symptoms Of Vascular Problems?
Vascular disease is a highly complicated disease that may impact several organs/symptoms within the body. The vascular system carries blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen, nutrients, and other life-sustaining components to various organs and parts of the body. Additionally, the vascular system carries impurities from other parts of the body to systems like the digestive system, which expels the body’s impurities.
When the vascular system isn’t functioning correctly, it cannot transport oxygen and effectively return blood, which leads to trouble for the body overall. There are several different types of vascular disease, each with its symptoms. However, early symptoms of general vascular problems might include:
- Leg pain when walking
- Angina (chest pain)
- Skin discoloration, especially blueness or pigmentation of the skin
- Shiny, thin skin on the legs
- Hair loss
- Leg swelling
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor about those symptoms as soon as possible. If they suspect vascular disease, they will likely refer you to a vascular specialist.
Vascular specialists surgeries frequently involve endovascular surgery and/or catheter-based surgery to open obstructed arteries and veins harmed by vascular disease.
What Can I Expect At A Vascular Doctor?
Vascular doctors aim to prevent significant damage to your body by taking care of the vascular system.
When referred to a vascular doctor, you will receive an initial screening by the vascular specialist to properly diagnose the disease. After completing the exam and potentially ordering further tests to diagnose, your vascular specialist will recommend a good course of action for tackling the problem before it progresses. If the arterial or venous disease requires surgical intervention these procedures include:
- Atherectomy
- Angioplasty or stent
- Bypass Surgery
- Endarterectomy
- Laser Ablation
- Microphlebectomy
- VNUS closures
Ultimately, it will always be up to you and the physician in regard to surgical intervention. You can be assured vascular surgeons will explain the risks and benefits of each procedure to you carefully enough that you will be able to make an informed decision.
If you need the advice of a vascular specialist, turn to Maryland Vascular Specialists. Click here to set up an appointment.