An angiologist is a doctor who deals with the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of diseases of the blood and lymph vessels. Angiology is a very narrow and rare specialization, and patients with diseases of the veins or arteries are often referred to a vascular surgeon instead of an angiologist.

Angiologyis on the border of several other specializations, thereforeangiologistusually cooperates with a vascular surgeon, phlebologist, diabetologist, immunologist, a gynecologist (in the case of venous thromboembolism occurring in pregnant women) or a neurologist. It all depends on which vessels were attacked in the course of the disease. The angiologist has extensive knowledge about the diseases of blood and lymph vessels, therefore he is able to properly direct conservative treatment or refer to another specialist in order to broaden the diagnosis and undertake appropriate, also surgical, treatment.

Angiologist - when is it advisable to visit an angiologist?

Patients most often see angiologists who have symptoms such as

  • leg cramps and burning sensation
  • swelling of legs and ankles
  • feeling called heavy legs, especially in the evening after a long day of work (mainly standing or sitting)
  • spiders,
  • varicose veins
  • frequent tingling, numbness in the limbs
  • lack of sensation in limbs

These may be the first symptoms of circulation problems, especially if there are tissue disorders, i.e. there are more and more brown or blue discolorations on the skin, e.g. around the ankles, indicating inflammation or cracking of varicose veins. These areas may harden or ulcerate over time.

People with pain, most often felt behind the breastbone, prolonged cough, repeated shortness of breath, which may indicate pulmonary embolism, also go to an angiologist.

Angiology - what diseases are diagnosed by an angiologist?

An angiologist deals with the prevention and diagnosis of diseases of blood and lymphatic vessels, such as:

  • spider veins (venulectasies, angiectasias, telangiectasias) and varicose veins
  • atherosclerosis (including, among others, atherosclerosis in the lower extremities, carotid arteriosclerosis) and inflammatory diseases of the circulatory system
  • foot syndromediabetic
  • pulmonary embolism
  • treatment of narrowing and occlusion of arteries that can lead to strokes
  • aneurysms (including chronic, ruptured, inflammatory thoracic, abdominal, and visceral aortas)
  • acute and chronic venous diseases (including venous thromboembolism, varicose veins of the lower limbs, deep vein insufficiency)
  • tumors of the vascular system
  • lymphoedema
  • compression syndromes
  • acute limb ischemia
  • Raynaud's syndrome

Angiologist - what does the visit to the angiologist look like?

The angiologist will conduct a detailed interview with the patient, review the results of the tests performed so far, and examine the patient, especially if there is a suspicion of a disease whose symptoms can be seen with the naked eye, e.g. chronic venous ulcers. If, on the other hand, problems with blood vessels are in the early stages, they can decide on pharmacology and conservative treatment, which most often consists in changing their lifestyle. Prophylaxis includes not too intense, but systematic physical activity, especially one that engages the muscles of the limbs, wearing appropriate footwear (preferably 2-3 cm heels) and clothes (not too tight), avoiding standing or sitting for too long, especially with crossed legs, not using too hot baths. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, preventing obesity and quitting smoking is also important.

Angiologist - what examinations does the angiologist refer to?

Depending on the disease, the angiologist may refer you to specific tests to rule out or confirm the initial diagnosis. The most frequently performed angiology tests include Doppler ultrasound of the carotid, vertebral arteries, lower and upper limbs, Doppler ultrasound of the veins of the lower and upper extremities, and Doppler ultrasound of visceral arteries. Doppler examination is non-invasive and very helpful in the diagnosis of many diseases. It gives an answer to the question of whether the blood flow is correct - where it flows slower, where it flows faster, or goes backwards, which may indicate, for example, valve regurgitation. In addition, Doppler ultrasound gives an image of the capacity and cross-section of the examined arteries and veins, and thus allows you to detect possible narrowing of the arteries caused by atherosclerosis, the risk of venous thromboembolism or other diseases of the blood vessels in the abdomen, neck, hands and legs. Other studies used in angiology include computed tomography, angioscopy, venography or lymphography.

Angiology - treatment methods used in angiology. Angiologist, phlebologist and vascular surgeon

After diagnosis, the angiologist may decide to use non-invasive orminimally invasive treatment methods. They usually consist in closing the diseased blood vessels with a laser or by sclerotherapy. However, if the blood vessel disease is at a more advanced stage, the angiologist usually refers the patient to a vascular surgeon. He may decide to undergo more invasive procedures (e.g. balloon angioplasty, stent implantation, stent graft implantation, atherectomy) or surgery (e.g. reconstruction and restoration of arteries, bypass, surgical treatment of lymphoedema).

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