Your circulatory system carries blood pumped by the heart to every area of your body through small tubes called vessels. These vessels include arteries, which carry blood away from the heart to the other organs, and veins, which return blood to the heart. If your blood cannot move freely due to a vascular problem, this can affect the function of your entire body. The specialists at Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute in Dayton, OH describe several reasons to schedule an appointment with a vascular doctor.
You notice leg pain
Pain in the legs can occur for many reasons and may be mild or severe. It can point to issues in several different systems, such as muscular or skeletal. If you notice leg pain when you walk that is relieved when resting, you could be experiencing symptoms of a vascular problem. Peripheral artery disease occurs when plaque builds in the arteries and there is blockage of sending blood to other parts of your body. This can present as leg pain when your legs are not receiving enough blood. A vascular doctor can diagnose and treat this condition.
You have risk factors
If you are not experiencing symptoms of a circulatory problem, you could still be at risk of a cardiovascular emergency. If you have risk factors of heart problems, it could be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a vascular specialist. These risk factors include:
- Over 50 years of age
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- History of smoking
- Family history of heart disease
A vascular doctor can consult your medical history and evaluate your health during an exam to ensure you do not have underlying cardiovascular problems.
You experience an emergency
A heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm are all considered medical emergencies. Symptoms include chest discomfort, dizziness, tingling or weakness on one side of the body, vision loss, or sudden and severe back pain. If you experience these symptoms, you should call 911 immediately. All of these emergencies are caused by blockages or swelling in the blood vessels. Once you experience one of these conditions, you have a higher risk of another one occurring. You will likely need to visit a cardiovascular specialist for treatment to lower the chances of future emergencies.
Schedule an appointment with a vascular doctor in Dayton, OH
Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute can provide specialized cardiovascular support and treatment from a doctor to patients in Dayton, OH. If you have a diagnosed cardiac condition or have questions about your heart health, you should schedule an appointment with us. For more information, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 937.203.8602.