Angiology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vascular diseases. The name comes from the Latin ‘anggeio/angio’ – vessel, and ‘logos’ – knowledge.
Logically, an angiologist is any specialist who practices in this field of medicine. You will find out what exactly he does and when to turn to him in the following lines.
What is angiology?
The specialty of angiology is part of the most extensive part of medicine, namely internal medicine. More specifically, it covers the knowledge and practices related to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of specific diseases related to our body’s blood (arteries and veins) and lymphatic vessels. Angiology is often intertwined or overlapped with the specialty of phlebology, which in turn concerns the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of veins in the body. Therefore, patients who suffer from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency often visit an angiologist. However, varicose veins are not the only subject of angiology. In practice, it covers all types of vascular diseases.
When should we visit an angiologist?
An appointment with a good angiologist in Sofia is planned, both for general prevention and for conducting treatment related to dysfunction, disturbed structure, or another problem affecting the blood or lymphatic vessels. Most often, therapy is prescribed in his office for the following diseases:
- Peripheral arterial disease/ arterial insufficiency
- Atherosclerosis
- Aneurysms
- Thrombophilia
- Venous thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Pathology of visceral vessels
- Carotid stenoses
- Varicose veins
All these diagnoses are socially significant in modern society. What’s more, the WHO warns that their untimely treatment poses a serious risk of developing more serious cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attack and other disturbances in the activity of the heart, and even a fatal outcome.
Signs that we need an angiologist
Traditionally, when certain symptoms appear – no matter which organ or system they affect – it is best to discuss them with your general practitioner first. He is the physician who will refer you to the specialist you need. At the same time, it is almost certain that you need an angiologist in Sofia in the presence of most of the following symptoms:
- Frequent or constant heaviness in the legs;
- The appearance of superficial varicose veins;
- Presence of swelling or pain in the limbs;
- A feeling of discomfort and fatigue in the muscles when walking, which does not subside with time and prevents you from moving normally;
- Presence of diabetes, arrhythmia, increased cholesterol and harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol use;
- Abdominal pains of unclear origin;
- Swelling, redness and swelling in the area of a vein on the limb;
- Recent heart attack or stroke;
- Family history of cardiovascular disease;
- Vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus.
Examination, prevention and therapy
In angiology, the idea of lifestyle changes and screening is established as the safest and most reliable means of preventing severe cardiovascular diseases caused by vascular problems. That is why a visit to a good angiologist is only sometimes directly related to a specific diagnosis or the presence of symptoms. The appointment of prophylactic procedures for people at increased risk is essential to prevent severe health consequences and death among at-risk groups.
The examination by an angiologist includes a wide range of methods and techniques for the correct diagnosis, establishing the specific cardiovascular status of the patient, as well as prescribing the necessary therapy for him if necessary. They include:
- Doppler ultrasound examination of the arterial and venous system;
- Early ultrasound screening for atherosclerosis;
- Tracking of extracranial cerebral vessels for the purpose of stroke prevention;
- Measurement of the ankle-brachial index (ABI);
- Diagnosis and follow-up of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries;
- Diagnosis and treatment of primary and secondary lymphedema;
- Treatment of wounds of venous or arterial origin;
- Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins using the most modern methods – sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation.
With a prophylactic goal, both the intake of a certain package of medications or nutritional supplements to support blood vessels and personalized therapeutic procedures, according to the specific patient’s needs, can be prescribed. The angiologist is the specialist who applies a complex approach, according to the European standards of evidence-based medicine, in the treatment of vascular pathology.
The importance of modern angiology for medical science and practice has increased more and more noticeably in the last few years. The reason for this is not only the growth of vascular diseases worldwide but also the modernization of this branch of internal medicine. With the advent of non-invasive, minimally invasive, gentle and far more tolerable procedures for the treatment of venous and arterial disorders and dysfunctions, a reduction in the number of fatal cases and disabilities among patients in this risk group could be achieved.
Price
Complex examination with Doppler ultrasound – BGN 100.
Make an appointment for a medical examination in Sofia, Bulgaria
In order not to disturb the peace during the procedures, we prefer initial contact via e-mail. We will contact you by phone as soon as possible after that and you will be able to take advantage of a -10% discount!
