Taking care of your vascular health is important for your overall health. But how do you know when it’s appropriate to go see a vascular specialist? This is a hard decision because a lot of vascular-related problems will start off small and progress over a period of time. But do not neglect them as complications can arise. Hence early signs should be able to tell you if you require the intervention of a professional. In particular, we will highlight some important Red Flags symptoms, conditions or risk factors that would indicate the need for the appointment of a vascular surgeon.
Who is a vascular specialist?
A vascular specialist is a medical doctor who investigates and treats conditions of blood vessels such as arteries, veins, and the lymphatic system which is responsible for transportation of blood and bodily fluids around your body. These conditions may range from less severe diseases like spider veins to more serious disease such as deep-vein-thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Signs of a Potential Vascular Disease
There are some concerning symptoms that could point to a vascular problem. In case you notice any of the below noticed symptoms, it is advisable to see a physician:
- Pain in the legs or cramping: Which is aggravated by walking but improves at rest?
- Swelling in your legs or ankles: Swelling that has lasted for several weeks could be a sign of poor blood flow to the legs.
- Varicosities: Enlarged twisted veins which protrude from the skin and are likely to be aching.
- Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs: This may be a sign that your arteries could be obstructed.
Changes in the skin color and texture: For example, changes in the color or even the growth of leg ulcers might indicate advanced vascular insult.
Causes of Vascular Disease
Some existing conditions increase susceptibility to vascular issues. Understanding such risk factors could assist in deciding whether one should schedule an appointment with a vascular specialist, proactively. Some of the more common ones include:
- Age: It is natural with aging to have increased rigidity of blood vessels making them prone to problems.
- Smoking: Such an activity commonly presents risks of heart complications such as vascular disease.
- Diabetes: It is a common condition that can cause a reduction in the blood flow and lead to larger vascular related health issues.
- Family history: You may be at greater risk if you have a family history of vascular problems.
High blood pressure: Long-term high blood pressure can cause wear and tear in your arteries and veins.
Leg Pain: When It’s More Than Just Fatigue
Leg pain or cramping is usually ignored as effects of fatigue and stress of overuse. But if you’re experiencing persistent pain during any physical activity in your legs, which the rest seems to take away the pain, chances are you may be suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease, less popularly known as (PAD). PAD is a condition in which arteries in your legs constrict due to diminished blood supply which in turn causes pain. This condition can elevate the chances of stroke or heart attacks if it is not treated.
Swellings/Fluid retention
Chronic draining or persistent swelling otherwise localized to just the leg or ankle can be considered clinical symptoms of venous insufficiency. This is a condition where blood is not easily returned to the heart due to the blocking of the veins. This blockage can cause fluid to get trapped in the legs which in return leads to swollen and puffy legs. Another possibility would be varicose veins that can develop over the years if not treated where skin and tissue changes occur with venous insufficiency. A vascular doctor will be able to grade how severe your condition is and recommend suitable therapy or therapy that should improve blood circulation.
Varicose and Spider Veins: Aesthetic or Vascular?
Aesthetic is how most people see varicose veins but these may also signal serious complications of the vascular system. Varicose veins are caused when blood vessels’ valves do not work well, thus enabling liquid to be stagnant. If not treated they can cause pain, swelling, and blood clots. A vascular doctor may look at your symptoms and suggest treatment options such as sclerotherapy and laser therapy for both cosmetic as well as medical purposes.
Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness in the Arms and Legs
When suffering severe numbness, tingling or weakness of the arms or even the legs, this could be linked to reduced blood flow because of narrowing of the arteries. This condition may be referred to as peripheral neuropathy, and one of its common causes is atherosclerosis, in which plaques form in ones arteries and reduce blood supply to the tissues. These complications include tissue necrosis or embolism and are much worse and very costly to treat which is why early diagnosis and management of this condition can avoid exposure to scare complications.
Skin Changes and Non-Healing Wounds
Sores, discoloration, or wounds that won’t vilify themselves on the surface of your legs can indicate inadequate blood supply. In more severe cases, if there is not a sufficient blood supply to the tissue, these symptoms could develop into venous ulcers or gangrene. A vascular specialist may assess the underlying cause of these skin changes and outline measures to alleviate the condition where there is adequate blood supply to the area and help in wound repair.
Blood Clots: Potential Problems and Symptoms
Blood clots also fall under the category of a serious vascular problem that may need immediate medical attention. Affected area symptoms include some swelling, tenderness or pain, ostensible warmth, and redness bordering the pain. Conditions such deep vein thrombosis or DVT’s could be fatal should the clot freeze in the lung resulting a pulmonary economy. It is important that if you have the suspicion of having a blood clot, get in touch with a vascular specialist as soon as possible for the diagnosis and treatment.
When to Call for Assistance
Several vascular factors develop slowly over time and do not lead to any major complications or cause any immediate concerns. Other vascular medical conditions, however, can be very critical in a matter of seconds. If you feel sudden symptoms like intense chest discomfort, perspiration, difficulty breathing, or instantaneous weakness on one side of the body, you must not wait and head towards the emergency room straight away. These may be signs and symptoms of a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism, all of which need immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Very often than not, vascular diseases present with relatively mild and common symptoms which go unnoticed. But, like any other disease, there are appropriate treatment methods for each stage of the vascular medical condition. Symptoms and risk factors presented in this article should not be overlooked and people must seek the opinion of a vascular disease specialist for detailed investigation in such cases. Medical illustrations like chronic leg pain, swelling varicose veins, or numbness in the limbs can be seen as an opportunity as a vascular disease specialist can treat these effectively in order to further improve one’s health. Do not wait for the situation to aggravate as early management can be of utmost importance in avoiding complications that can be quite serious.
