Vascular Disease Doctor Near Me

Vascular disease is any condition that affects your circulatory system, a system of blood vessels. Diseases of your arteries, lymph vessels, veins, and blood disorders are all related to circulation. Common recognized vascular diseases include peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which occurs when the hardening of the arteries causes plaque buildup; carotid artery disease (stroke), when the main blood vessels of the brain develop a buildup of plaque; and abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bulge that develops in the largest artery in the abdomen. Symptoms and causes of vascular disease depend on the condition. PAD, for example, may cause leg pain. Lymphedema may cause swelling in the arms or legs. Consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any unusual, painful, or persistent symptoms.

What kind of doctor treats vascular disease?

Many kinds of physicians treat vascular or circulatory diseases, including cardiologists, vascular specialists or vascular surgeons, cardiac surgeons, and primary care physicians. As a first step, you can see your primary care physician who may refer you to a specialist depending on your symptoms. Other health care providers who may be involved in the treatment of vascular disease include nurse practitioners, nutritionists or dietitians, and nurses with specialized training.

What should I ask my doctor if I’m diagnosed with vascular disease?

If you’re diagnosed with vascular disease, there are several questions you can ask your doctor depending on the type of condition. You may want to ask how your medical history may impact how the disease affects your body and any treatment risks. If you have diabetes, you should discuss it with your doctor, as along with blood pressure and cholesterol, it can affect certain vascular diseases. Ask if you should go for a screening test, and which one. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms and/​or have risk factors for vascular disease. You can also ask about which medications you should take (if any), how to reduce your risk for stroke and heart attack, and how to quit smoking, which can be a major risk factor.

How to find a primary care doctor who can treat vascular disease at Oak Street Health?

We can help you find the right physicians to help diagnose and treat vascular disease. There are several different disorders related to vascular disease, so it’s important to identify your condition and get the help you need. Browse our large network of doctors and find a vascular disease physician in your neighborhood.