You might get frightened when your primary caregiver asks you to see a vascular specialist. However, there is nothing to worry about as vascular doctors like Dr. Vinod Kumar treat diseases that affect your circulatory system or blood system. Although issues affecting the circulatory system seem serious, they are treatable. A vascular doctor will treat issues affecting the arteries, veins, heart, and whole blood circulatory system; these conditions might affect the circulatory system.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD affects the arteries leading to oxygen deprivation in the body’s organs and limbs; it reduces blood supply to the vital organs. The condition occurs due to fat and cholesterol, which can bind the arterial wall causing plaque and blockages. The blockage can cut the blood supply completely or reduce the amount of blood reaching the organs. Your organs need this oxygen-rich blood as it contains the glucose the cells need for energy. Moreover, the blood supply to the organs leads to the removal of toxins.
· PAD Symptoms
Painful cramping in the hips, thighs, and limbs, leg tiredness and inability to walk properly, and poor hair or nail growth. You might not have a pulse on the legs; at times, the pulse is too weak, indicating the lack of blood supply to the area. Men might develop erectile dysfunction.
· Risk factors
You might develop PAD if you are 65 or older; the condition is also common among tobacco smokers. It is also common among people over age 50 and has diabetes; it may occur due to a family history of PAD
Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT
DVT is a disease of the veins, which promotes blood oxygenation by carrying the deoxygenated blood from the body organs to the heart. . It occurs due to vein damage from surgery or trauma, inflammation, and infection.
· Symptoms of DVT
You will experience pain in your leg, swelling, redness, and discoloration, and the area might have an elevated temperature. DVT might impact walking, making it impossible to walk for long distances.
· Risk factors
DVT is common among older adults above 60 years and women on hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. The pills and hormone replacements can make your blood clot. Moreover, some people might develop DVT due to genetics.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency/Varicose Veins
The inability of the leg veins to transport the blood from the organs to the heart. The blood can accumulate in your legs, causing serious health complications.
· Symptoms of Chronic venous insufficiency
You will experience a tight feeling and pain in the legs; you might feel pain when walking that stops when you rest. Your legs might have cramps, ulcers, or sores.
· Risk factors
Chronic venous insufficiency is common among cancer patients and those with obesity issues and might result from hereditary issues. You are likely to get chronic venous insufficiency if you have a history of DVT or PE, trauma, or a cast on the leg.
Vascular and heart conditions cause serious health complications, and it may be better to see a vascular doctor. Your primary caregiver might not treat these vascular conditions as their knowledge is limited; you should not hesitate to look for help if they suggest further treatment.
