Heart and blood vessel health are connected closely and this is the reason why so many people think that a vascular doctor and a cardiologist are the same. While both the specialists do diagnosis and treatment related to circulatory system, their focus is on different areas of the body and they manage different kind of dieseases. Understanding the difference can assist you in seeking the required medical care when symptoms arises.
Experiencing symptoms of poor circulation? Schedule an appointment with Magnet Health NY’s expert vascular specialists today for personalized diagnosis and advanced treatment.
What Does a Cardiologist Do?
A cardiologist is a doctor who holds specialization in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease of the heart and cardiovascular system. Their main focus is on maintaining the functioning of the heart and decreasing the risk of any serious cardiac events.
A cardiologist generally treats conditions like:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attacks
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Irregularity in heart rhythms
- Disorders of heart valve
- Congenital heart disease
Cardiologist carry out diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECGs), echocardiograms, cardiac imaging and stress tests for evaluation of heart functioning. They also prescribe medicines, suggest lifestyle changes and coordinate latest procedures whenever required.
Cardiologists perform diagnostic tests like electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac imaging to evaluate heart function. They also prescribe medications, recommend lifestyle changes, and coordinate advanced procedures when necessary.
What Does a Vascular Doctor Do?
A vascular doctor, also called a vascular specialist, focus mainly on diseases that affects arteries, lymphatic vessels and veins outside the brain and the heart. These specialists do diagnosis of circulation issues and assist in preventing complications arising because of poor blood flow.
Common vascular conditions are:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Carotid artery disease
- Aortic aneurysms
- Leg ulcers because of poor circulation
Vascular specialists often make use of minimum invasive processes, medicines and lifestyle changes for improving blood flow and decrease the risk of serious complications like stroke or loss of limb.
Are They the Same?
The simple answer is no. Even if both doctors do treatment of conditions in relation to the circulatory system, their areas of expertise are different.
- Cardiologist focus on heart and a vascular doctor focus on blood vessels outside the heart
- Cardiologist do treatment of heart disease and heart functioning but a vascular doctor do treatment of artery and vein disorders
- A cardiologist performs heart related diagnostic testing while a vascular doctor carries out imaging and circulation testing
- A cardiologist manage heart rhythm disorders and heart failure and a vascular doctor manage disorder related to circulation, varicose veins, aneurysms and PAD.
In several cases, cardiologists and vascular specialists combinely work as heart disease and vascular disease often occurs in the same patient.
When Should You See a Cardiologist?
You should visit a cardiologist, when you experience:
- Chest pain or pressure in chest
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations in heart
- High blood pressure
- A family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Fainting episodes
Early evaluation can assist in preventing heart attacks and other such life-threatening issues.
When Should You See a Vascular Doctor?
You must see a vascular doctor if in case you have
- Leg pain at the time of walking
- Legs or ankles swelling
- Varicose veins that are visible
- Cold feet or legs
- Wounds on the legs or feet that does not heals
- Numbness in leg
- Discoloration of skin because of poor circulation
All these symptoms indicates that there is less blood flow that needs quick evaluation.
How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?
Both cardiologist and vascular specialist make use of latest diagnostic tools, but the test differs based on the condition.
A cardiologist might suggest
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- Cardaic MRI or CT
- Stress test
- Holter monitoring
A vascular specialist might carry out
- Doppler ultrasound
- Ankle-branchial index
- CT angiography
- MR angiography
- Vascular ultrasound
These tests helps in diagnosis of narrowed arteries, blocked veins or circulation issues before they become serious.
Expert Vascular Care at Magnet Health NY
If you are suffering from pain in leg, poor circulation, swelling or any other symptoms of vascular disease, expert evaluation can make it all difference. At Magnet Health, NY, experienced vascular specialists offer comprehensive diagnosis, latest treatment options and customized care to assist in improving blood flow and protect your long term vascular health.
Final Thoughts
A vascular doctor and a cardiologist both plays important roles in maintenance of circulatory health, but they are not the same. While cardiologist focus on the heart and its functions, vascular doctors treat disease that affects arteries and veins all through the body. If you are not sure which specialist to consult, speaking with your primary care provider can help to make sure you are referred to the right expert and get timely treatment before any kind of complications develop.
