Vascular Specialist vs. Cardiovascular Specialist: What’s the Difference?

Vascular vs. Cardiovascular Specialists: Which One Do You Need?

The terms vascular specialist and cardiovascular specialist are frequently confused. While both focus on circulation and keeping your blood flowing properly, they treat different parts of the body and handle different conditions. A vascular specialist treats conditions affecting blood vessels outside the heart and brain, such as varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, and aneurysms. A cardiovascular specialist focuses on the heart and major blood vessels, diagnosing and treating heart disease, arrhythmias, and circulatory disorders. 

If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, or non-healing wounds, a vascular specialist may be the right choice. If you have chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or risk factors for heart disease, a cardiovascular specialist may be needed. However, because vascular and cardiovascular health are closely connected, many patients experiencing a vascular issue also often suffer from a cardiovascular one.

Understanding the difference between a vascular specialist and cardiovascular specialist can help you get the right care for your symptoms, but at CardioVascular Health Clinic, you don’t have to choose. Our team includes both vascular and cardiovascular specialists so you can get comprehensive, coordinated care all in one place.

What Is a Vascular Specialist?

A vascular specialist is a doctor who focuses on blood vessels outside of the heart and brain — your arteries, veins, and lymphatic system. These blood vessels are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to your organs and returning it back to your heart. When they don’t work properly, it can lead to pain, swelling, or even dangerous blockages.

Types of Vascular Specialists

Depending on the condition, different types of vascular specialists may be involved in  your treatment:

• Vascular surgeons perform both traditional surgeries and minimally invasive procedures to treat blocked, damaged, or weakened blood vessels.

• Interventional radiologists use imaging technology, such as ultrasound and X-rays, to guide catheters and stents inside the blood vessels to open blockages without major surgery.

• Vascular medicine doctors specialize in non-surgical treatments, using medications and lifestyle changes to manage vascular disease and prevent complications.

Conditions a Vascular Specialist May Treat

Vascular specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of circulation-related conditions that can affect the legs, arms, neck, kidneys, and more. 

Some of the most common conditions they treat include:

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). This occurs when the arteries in your legs become narrowed due to plaque buildup, which reduces the amount of blood that can flow through. A common symptom is leg pain that happens when walking but improves with rest (claudication). If PAD is not treated, it can lead to non-healing wounds and even limb loss.

• Varicose Veins and Spider Veins. These are enlarged, twisted veins that usually appear in the legs. While spider veins are mostly cosmetic, varicose veins are more serious. They can cause aching, swelling, and discomfort and may indicate poor circulation or vein disease.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

• Carotid Artery Disease. The carotid arteries in the neck supply blood to the brain. If they become narrowed due to plaque, it can lead to strokes. A vascular specialist may perform procedures to open the artery and restore blood flow.

• Aneurysms. A bulge in a weakened artery that can rupture if left untreated, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Aneurysms can occur in many parts of the body, including the aorta, the main artery leading from the heart.

• Lymphedema. A buildup of lymph fluid, usually in the arms or legs, that causes chronic swelling. Lymphedema can result from damaged lymph vessels and often occurs after cancer treatment.

When Should You See a Vascular Specialist?

You should see a vascular specialist if you experience:

• Pain or cramping in your legs when walking (claudication). This may be a sign of PAD and can progress if untreated.

• Swollen, aching, or discolored legs. Could indicate vein disease or circulation problems that require treatment.

• Non-healing wounds or ulcers on your legs or feet. Poor circulation can prevent healing and increase the risk of serious infections.

• Sudden numbness, coldness, or cramping in your arms or legs. Could be a sign of a blocked artery or poor circulation.

• Noticeable varicose veins that cause discomfort. If they cause pain, swelling, or skin changes, they may require treatment beyond cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, vascular conditions can lead to serious complications, such as blood clots, infections, tissue damage, or even amputations in severe cases. Seeing a specialist early can prevent long-term damage and keep you healthy.

What Is a Cardiovascular Specialist?

A cardiovascular specialist is a doctor who focuses on the heart and its major blood vessels. Unlike vascular specialists — who treat blood flow issues throughout the body — cardiovascular specialists focus on conditions that affect the heart itself and the arteries that supply it.

Cardiovascular medicine is a broad field with many subspecialties. Depending on your condition, you may see one or more types of cardiovascular specialists who focus on different aspects of heart disease, circulation, and rhythm disorders.

Types of Cardiovascular Specialists

Depending on your condition, you may have different types of cardiovascular specialists providing care and treatment:

• Cardiologists: Diagnose and treat heart disease but do not perform surgery.

• Cardiac Surgeons: Perform open-heart surgeries like bypass surgery and valve replacements.

• Interventional Cardiologists: Use catheters (thin tubes) to perform angioplasty and stenting to open blocked arteries without surgery.

• Electrophysiologists: Specialize in treating heart rhythm disorders using procedures like pacemaker implantation and ablation therapy.

Conditions a Cardiovascular Specialist May Treat

Cardiovascular specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of heart-related conditions, including:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The arteries that supply the heart become narrowed due to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of chest pain (angina) and heart attacks.

• Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias). The heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.

• Heart Valve Disorders. The valves that control blood flow through the heart may not open or close properly, leading to symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath.

• Congestive Heart Failure. When the heart can’t pump blood efficiently, causing fluid buildup, swelling, and fatigue.

• High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol. These are major risk factors for heart disease and often require long-term management.

When Should You See a Cardiovascular Specialist?

Consider seeing a cardiovascular specialist if you experience:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. These could be warning signs of heart disease.

• An irregular or racing heartbeat. Could indicate an arrhythmia that requires evaluation.

• Swelling in your legs or ankles. May be a sign of heart failure or circulation problems.

• A family history of heart disease. Preventive care can help reduce your risk.

Ignoring heart problems can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and sudden cardiac arrest. If you notice symptoms, seeing a specialist sooner rather than later can help prevent life-threatening events.

Don’t Choose a Specialist: Choose CardioVascular Health Clinic

Your heart and vascular health are too important to leave to chance. At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we understand that heart and vascular health depend on each other, and that many patients experience both heart-related and circulation-related conditions, requiring expertise from multiple specialists. Instead of referring patients to different offices, however, the team at CardioVascular Health Clinic can provide comprehensive, team-based care under one roof, ensuring that every patient receives the right care, from the right specialist, at the right time.

Here’s what sets CardioVascular Health Clinic apart for vascular and cardiovascular care.

Multiple Specialists in One Location

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, our multidisciplinary team of specialists includes cardiologists, vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and interventional cardiologists all working toward one goal–your health. This means you won’t have to navigate multiple providers and locations to get the care you need with the continuity and personal attention you deserve. Whether your issue is with your heart, your circulation, or both, we have specialists ready to help.

Seamless Collaboration for Better Care

When you visit multiple specialists at different offices, there’s often a lack of communication between doctors. At CardioVascular Health Clinic, our specialists work side by side, meaning your care is always coordinated and connected.

For example, if you have both heart disease and peripheral artery disease (PAD), our interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons will collaborate on your treatment plan. You won’t need to go back and forth between different doctors trying to piece together your care. Instead, you’ll receive a comprehensive, streamlined approach with specialists who are in constant communication with each other, resulting in improved patient care and better outcomes.

Access to Advanced Treatment Options

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we offer the latest technology and cutting-edge procedures for diagnosing and treating both heart and vascular conditions. Our specialists lead the country in innovative techniques and solutions, often providing answers for patients who’ve had questions for years. With state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled, trained, and experienced providers, CardioVascular Health Clinic can deliver advanced services such as:

• Minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, stenting, and vein ablation, allowing for faster recovery times and less discomfort than traditional surgery.

• Advanced imaging techniques to diagnose vascular disease early, helping prevent serious complications.

• Comprehensive heart care, including catheter-based interventions and management of chronic cardiovascular conditions.

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, you don’t have to guess whether you need a vascular or cardiovascular specialist — we have both. No matter what you’re facing, our team is here to help you navigate your options and connect you with the right specialist. 
Schedule an appointment today and let us help you take control of your heart and vascular health.