Have you ever heard of a 'Vascular Doctor'? Maybe yes, maybe no. But this is a very important topic, because these doctors deal with the most important system in our body. Simply put, these are doctors who specialize in the blood vessels in our body, that is, the vascular system. Let's talk about this in a little more detail , shall we?
So who is this 'Vascular Doctor'?
Very simple. A 'Vascular Doctor' is a doctor who takes care of and treats your vascular system , that is, your blood vessels. Your vascular system has three main parts. They are:
- Arteries: These are the blood vessels that carry oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from your heart to every tissue and cell in your body. They're like the main water supply system for a city.
- Veins: After your cells have received the nutrients and oxygen they need, these veins carry the remaining waste products, especially carbon dioxide, back to the heart. Much like a sewer system that collects used water.
- Capillaries: These are very fine, tiny blood vessels. These are what connect arteries and veins. They're like the small pipes that distribute water from the mains to homes.
So, keeping this entire system healthy is essential to our lives. A vascular doctor can help you manage the long-term effects of this system. They can also treat and work with your other doctors if you have a specific problem.
Imagine, this is spreading throughout our bodies. The circulatory system is like a network of roads that run through a country. If those roads are in good condition, everything will run smoothly. And so are the blood vessels!
What exactly does a 'Vascular Doctor' do?
A vascular doctor primarily focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of your blood vessels, which are arteries and veins. As we mentioned earlier, every cell and tissue in our body needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, healthy blood vessels are very important.
Did you know that in countries like America, these 'Vascular Doctors' help with several diseases that are common among people, and can sometimes be fatal? Here are a few examples:
- Peripheral artery disease (`( Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked. About 8.5 million Americans have this disease!
- Aortic Aneurysms or Dissections: This is when the aorta, the largest artery in our body, becomes weak and bulging (aneurysm) or has a tear in its wall (dissection). This is very dangerous. In 2019 alone, about 10,000 people in the United States died from this.
- Stroke: This condition occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked or bursts. It is estimated that about 800,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke each year.
These specialist doctors are there to treat serious conditions like this.
What treatments are available from a 'Vascular Doctor'?
The treatment a vascular doctor will give you depends on your condition. They will typically provide the following treatments:
- Lifestyle changes: Advice on how much exercise you should do and what you should eat. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference.
- Medication: Medications may be prescribed to lower your blood pressure , cholesterol levels, or prevent blood clots.
- Medical Procedures: There are various medical procedures that can help improve your blood circulation. Some of them are very simple and do not involve major surgery.
- Surgery: These doctors can also perform major surgeries to prevent a stroke or to stop an aortic aneurysm from rupturing.
When should you see a vascular doctor?
If you have the following risk factors, you are more likely to develop vascular disease, so it is a good idea to see a vascular doctor:
- If you have diabetes (`(Diabetes Mellitus)`) .
- If you have high blood pressure .
- If you use tobacco products (such as cigarettes, beedis) .
Also, it is wise to see a vascular doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- If you experience chest pain while exercising.
- If you have pain, cramping, or swelling in your legs (especially when walking).
Just like if there is a blockage somewhere in your home's water system, the water supply will stop, the same thing happens if there is a problem with our blood vessels. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of such symptoms.
Sometimes, when you are in the hospital, a vascular doctor may come to help you because of an untreated vascular problem. These doctors have the expertise to perform everything from very minor, minimally invasive procedures to very complex surgeries. After medical school, you need to undergo another five to seven years of specialized training to become a vascular surgeon.
What medical conditions does a vascular doctor treat or help prevent?
Vascular Doctors treat many problems, including:
- Aneurysm (like a bulge) in the artery wall
- Inflammation of the blood vessels - ` (Vasculitis)`
- Fat (cholesterol) build-up in the arteries - `(Atherosclerosis)` (This is often the cause of blood vessel blockage)
- A blood clot in a vein in the leg - ` (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT)`
- Narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs - ` (Peripheral Artery Disease - PAD)`
- Pulmonary Embolism (this can be a dangerous consequence of DVT)
- Narrowing of blood vessels in the hands and feet due to cold - ` (Raynaud's disease)` (You've probably seen some people's fingertips turn blue in the cold, right? That could be because of this)
- Blockage or narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart - `(Coronary Artery Disease)` (This is the main cause of heart attacks)
- Varicose Veins
- Blockage or narrowing of an artery (in the neck) that supplies blood to the brain - `(Carotid Artery Disease)` (This is a cause of paralysis)
- Sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain - `(Stroke)`
- Preparing a blood vessel for dialysis after kidney failure.
- A tear in the inner layer of the aorta (aorta) - (Aortic Dissection)
Look at how many things these doctors help with!
What tests does a vascular doctor perform?
A vascular doctor may order tests like these to check the health of your blood vessels:
- Catheter Angiogram: A small tube is passed through a blood vessel and an X-ray is taken using a special dye.
- CT Angiogram (`(Computed Tomography Angiogram - CT Angiogram)`): A CT scan machine is used to take detailed images of the blood vessels.
- MR Angiogram (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram - MR Angiogram): Images of blood vessels are taken using an MRI scanner.
- Vascular Ultrasound: This is a simple, painless test that uses sound waves to look at the blood flow in the blood vessels.
- Venogram: An X-ray test to look at the blood flow in the veins.
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Measures blood pressure in the leg and arm to find out how the blood is circulating in the legs.
These tests are what will help the doctor figure out exactly what your problem is.
Are a 'Vascular Doctor' and a 'Cardiologist' the same person?
Yes, these two are the same. A 'cardiologist' is a doctor who specializes in the heart. He treats diseases related to the heart.
A vascular doctor treats the blood vessels throughout the body. This includes large blood vessels like the aorta. However, a vascular doctor does not treat the heart itself directly.
However, sometimes both of these can be combined to treat you, because the heart and blood vessels are two very interconnected systems.
Do you need a referral to see a vascular doctor?
This may vary depending on your insurance plan. Sometimes you may need a referral from your family doctor (Primary Care Provider) to see a vascular doctor. If you have symptoms of vascular disease, your family doctor may refer you to a vascular doctor.
What to expect when you visit a vascular doctor?
When you go to see a vascular doctor, he will first do a physical exam on you. Then he will talk to you about your symptoms. Don't forget to tell the doctor everything you think, everything that seems to be related to this.
In addition, the doctor will ask questions about your past medical history and family history, as some vascular problems can run in families.
Your doctor may order blood tests or other imaging tests to help determine the exact cause of your problem. The results of these tests will help determine the best treatment for your condition.
Remember, don't be afraid of anything when you go to see a doctor. Ask all the questions you have. The doctor is there to help you.
Where do vascular doctors work?
Vascular Doctors work in hospitals and private practice offices, as well as in health centers that specialize in one area of vascular medicine, such as vein diseases.
Finally, remember this.
A vascular doctor is a doctor who specializes in treating your arteries and veins, or blood vessels. They can help with a variety of problems that affect your blood vessels. Your family doctor can recommend a vascular doctor who can help with your specific problem.
The most important thing is to follow your vascular doctor's instructions and treatment plan exactly. Only then will you be able to get the best possible recovery. Since some vascular problems can last a long time, your vascular doctor may be your long-term healthcare provider. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a good relationship with him.
So, if you or someone you know has this problem, don't be afraid to see a Vascular Doctor. It will be a great investment in your life!
` Vascular specialist, vascular doctor, arteriovenous disease, blood vessels, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, heart health
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