A vascular doctor specializes in the diagnosing, treating and managing of conditions related to your arteries and veins (blood vessels). They treat a number of health problems varicose and spider veins to aneurysms which are life-threatening.
Your blood vessels are essential for a healthy circulatory system. They help carry oxygen-rich blood from and back to your heart. Your body needs this smooth flow of blood in order to function properly. When you have certain conditions like hardening of your arteries, for example, it can obstruct your flow of blood to various parts of your body.
Vascular doctors, unlike general physicians, focus exclusively on your vascular system. They treat multiple conditions that can affect your blood vessels anywhere in your body except your brain and heart. An experienced vascular surgeon stays current on the most advanced cutting edge technology and treatment for leg vein disorders.
Some conditions they treat include:
Varicose Veins: Swollen or large veins that are twisted and cause aching or pain in your legs
Spider Veins: Small webs of veins underneath your skin’s surface
Aneurysm: A weak spot or bulge in your artery
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clot in a vein that’s deep beneath your skin
Atherosclerosis: Built-up plaque on your artery walls that causes hardening of your arteries
Dialysis Access: Fistula or graft placement in kidney disease cases that helps you get your treatment
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or Carotid Artery Disease: Narrowed or blocked arteries that bring blood to your limbs or neck
Trauma: Injuries or accidents causing trauma to your veins and arteries
One particular condition treated by a vascular surgeon is vascular disease. This condition is often called the "silent threat" since you either experience symptoms suddenly or not at all. It affects your circulatory system that’s located outside your heart. You’re more prone to vascular disease if you:
Are over 70 years old
Are over 50 years old with a history of smoking or diabetes
Are under 50 years old with a diabetes history and have other risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity or coronary artery disease
If you have any of these risk factors above or suspect you suffer from a condition that is affecting your blood vessels, it’s time to give a vascular doctor a call. Please contact David H. Bellamah, MD, FACS at Bellamah Vein Center at (406) 203-1866.
