Cardiovascular diseases: what are angiology and vascular surgery examinations

By Cristiano Antonino On Jan 28, 2023

Cardiovascular diseases are pathologies affecting the circulatory system, from the heart to the blood vessels and arteries

They usually develop with advancing age and in the presence of certain risk factors, but unhealthy behaviour (from smoking to poor physical activity and a high-fat diet) and the presence of other diseases can also play an important role.

Depending on their characteristics and the symptoms they cause, cardiovascular diseases can be more or less dangerous and require specific treatments

The vascular surgery examination (also referred to in many centres as an angiological examination) is a fundamental step to assess the condition of a patient affected by vascular disorders and to indicate the therapies, possible surgical solutions and preparatory tests necessary to adequately treat the disease.

Cardiovascular diseases, who is at risk?

The following are considered major risk factors

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Age over 50 years
Obesity
Personal history of heart and cardiovascular disease
Kidney disease
An unhealthy lifestyle with smoking, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet also contributes.

Vascular surgery examination: when it is needed

The vascular surgery (or angiological) examination is essential both for the diagnosis of vascular pathologies and for the definition and planning of surgical treatment or therapy.

In fact, the examination, with the interview and viewing of the diagnostic tests, makes it possible to acquire the necessary information to prepare specific treatments in the case of vascular pathologies such as:

Aneurysms and dissections (surgery of the large arterial vessels, thoracic aorta and thoraco-abdominal aorta).
Stenosis of the supra-aortic trunks (carotids and subclavian)
Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta
Steno-obstructive pathology
Aneurysmatic pathology of splanchnic vessels, such as renal and spleen vessels
Stenosis of lower limb arteries up to so-called ‘limb salvage’ in cases of critical ischaemia.

In the course of the examination, pre-operative tests (e.g. blood tests, X-ray examinations, echo-Doppler, cardiological examinations), the timing and modalities of the operation (which can also be endovascular by percutaneous route) or therapy and follow-ups in cases where an operation is not necessary are determined and planned.

The vascular surgery visit also allows for an assessment of the possible presence of varicose veins and venous insufficiency, a condition that occurs when the veins in the legs do not allow blood to return properly to the heart.

The vascular surgeon also treats phlebitis and deep vein thrombosis (also extended to the iliac veins and vena cava, in collaboration with the haematologists of the Thrombosis Centre) and in the presence of lower limb ulcers assesses what the cause may be, so that the most appropriate treatment can be set up.

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