Top Indications You May Need to Consult A Vascular Specialist

Uneeb KhanJanuary 5, 2023094 views

Vascular specialists are medical professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating diseases related to blood vessels.

Their primary focus is diagnosing and treating venous and arterial disorders. Venous disorders include varicose veins and other conditions such as thrombosis, phlebitis and lymphedema. Arterial disorders include peripheral vascular disease, carotid arterial disease and aneurysms. They can also help diagnose and treat various other health issues related to the circulatory system, such as diabetic foot disease and renal access to dialysis.

If you have varicose veins, you are not alone. This condition is prevalent and can be found in anyone at any age. However, there are some circumstances in which you may need to seek out a vascular specialist.

This article will discuss the top indications you may want to consult a vascular specialist.

Table of Contents

7 Symptoms That You Need to Consult A Vascular Specialist

Vascular disease is a broad term that encompasses any disease of the blood vessels. The most common types of arterial vascular disease include arterial aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, and carotid arterial disease causing stroke. The most common types of venous disease include varicose veins, spider veins and DVT.

It’s important to note that not every symptom of vascular disease is evident. Some signs are more obvious than others, meaning many people only realise they have a problem once it’s too late.

Vascular specialists are experts in treating varicose veins and other vascular conditions. If you have any of the following symptoms or need varicose veins treatment, you must see a vascular specialist.

1. Swelling, Bruising, and Pain

If you are experiencing swelling, bruising, or pain in your leg, you should seek medical attention immediately. This could signify deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of your legs or pelvis and can break free, travel through your bloodstream and block an artery in your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). PE can cause sudden shortness of breath and chest pain and it can be fatal.

2. Itchy Skin

Have you ever experienced the annoyance of an itchy sensation in your legs that just wouldn’t go away? There is a possibility that you are suffering from vein disease if you have this symptom. This condition occurs due to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a condition due to build-up of pressure in the veins of the legs, secondary to faulty valves in the veins. Left untreated, it can lead to skin ulcers, edema (swelling), discolouration of the skin called hyperpigmentation, itching, or a burning sensation.

3. Pain in the legs or feet

Many people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) experience pain in their legs when exercising or walking long distances. But PAD can also cause numbness, tingling sensations in affected areas, and cramping pains during movement. This pain may subside after resting for a few minutes but return once you start moving again. Severe cases of PAD could require intervention with an angiogram and balloon angioplasty or stenting. In some cases, surgery to bypass blocked arteries may be required.

4. Twisted, & enlarged veins

When veins become twisted or enlarged, they can cause chronic pain, discomfort, and inflammation. This condition is called varicose veins. Varicose veins occur when valves in the legs become damaged or weakened, which causes blood to flow back towards the feet instead of forward towards the heart. The backflow of blood causes the veins to swell and become congested and twisted. If you are experiencing vein problems, you should seek advice about varicose veins treatment from a medical professional.

5. Unusual skin changes

Skin changes can also indicate that you may need help from a vascular specialist. Some skin changes include brown discolouration, rashes, and swelling of the legs that could be caused by blood clots blocking blood vessels or varicose veins leaking blood into the surrounding tissue.

6. Acute Leg Pain

Sudden onset of acute leg pain may be caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), when a blood clot forms in a vein. Other symptoms include swelling, warmth, and redness in your calf or thigh. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

7. Bleeding Varicose Veins

Bleeding from these veins can occur when the walls of the vessels become thin. If bleeding occurs, perform basic first aid (compression, elevation) and seek medical advice. A vascular surgeon can treat the underlying problem and prevent the risk of further bleeding.

Takeaway

If you suspect that you have a complication related to arterial or venous disease and are unsure of how to proceed, consider reaching out to a vascular specialist. A vascular specialist is well-trained in diagnosing and treating all aspects of vascular disease.