What Is a Vascular Specialist?
A vascular specialist evaluates and manages conditions affecting the arteries and veins, the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood throughout the body. Symptoms such as leg pain when walking, persistent swelling, visible veins, slow-healing wounds, numbness, or changes in circulation may be signs of an underlying vascular condition. FHVI provides vascular evaluation, diagnostic testing, and treatment based on each patient’s symptoms, imaging findings, and overall health.
At FHVI, vascular care may include noninvasive diagnostic testing, circulation assessment, medication management, minimally invasive arterial treatment, vein procedures, and ongoing follow-up based on each patient’s symptoms, diagnostic findings, and overall health.
Arterial Disease
Arterial disease occurs when blood flow through the arteries becomes reduced or blocked, often because of plaque buildup. One common form is peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can affect circulation to the legs and feet. Patients may experience leg pain or cramping while walking, numbness, coldness in the feet, skin changes, or wounds that are slow to heal. Depending on the severity of the condition and vascular anatomy, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication management, peripheral angioplasty (PTA), atherectomy, or other catheter-based vascular procedures when clinically appropriate.
Venous Disease
Venous disease develops when veins have difficulty returning blood toward the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as leg swelling, heaviness, aching, visible varicose veins, skin changes, or discomfort after prolonged standing. Diagnostic testing can help identify venous insufficiency and determine which veins may be contributing to symptoms. Depending on the findings, treatment may include compression therapy, lifestyle measures, or minimally invasive options such as radiofrequency vein ablation, endovenous laser ablation, foam sclerotherapy, or chemical adhesive vein closure.
Blood Clots
Blood clots can develop within the deep veins, most commonly in the legs. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause swelling, pain, warmth, or discolouration and may require prompt medical evaluation. Treatment often includes blood-thinning medication. In selected patients with larger or more complex clots, mechanical thrombectomy or another catheter-based treatment may be considered to help remove the clot and restore blood flow. Sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or fainting may indicate a pulmonary embolism and require immediate emergency care.
Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Significant narrowing can increase the risk of stroke. A carotid duplex ultrasound may be used to evaluate blood flow and identify narrowing within the carotid arteries. Management depends on the degree of narrowing, symptoms, and overall stroke risk and may include medication, lifestyle changes, ongoing monitoring, or referral for an appropriate vascular intervention when necessary.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlargement or weakening of part of the aorta, the body’s main artery, as it passes through the abdomen. Many aneurysms do not cause symptoms and may be discovered during imaging or screening. Larger or growing aneurysms may carry a greater risk of complications and require closer evaluation. Management may include monitoring, risk-factor control, or evaluation for endovascular or surgical repair, depending on the aneurysm’s size, growth, anatomy, and individual patient factors.
Pseudoaneurysm
A pseudoaneurysm occurs when blood collects outside an artery but remains connected to the vessel through a small opening. It may develop after certain vascular procedures, trauma, or injury to an artery. Symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, bruising, or a pulsating lump near the affected area. Because complications can occur, a suspected pseudoaneurysm should be evaluated promptly. Treatment depends on its size, location, symptoms, and imaging findings.
When You May Need a Vascular Specialist
You may benefit from a vascular evaluation if you experience symptoms that could be related to reduced blood flow, vein disease, or another circulation problem. These may include leg pain or cramping when walking, persistent leg swelling, visible or painful varicose veins, numbness or coldness in the feet, skin discolouration, a foot or leg wound that is slow to heal, or unexplained changes in circulation. A vascular specialist can evaluate your symptoms, recommend appropriate diagnostic testing, and determine whether monitoring, medical management, or a vascular procedure may be appropriate.
Get evaluated urgently, if you have:
- Leg pain, cramping, or heaviness when walking that stops with rest is a classic PAD warning sign (intermittent claudication)
- Leg pain at rest, particularly at night a sign of more advanced PAD
- Sudden swelling, warmth, or pain in one leg: possible DVT
- A foot or leg wound that is slow to heal or not improving
- Cold, pale, or blue-tinged toes or feet
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain: possible pulmonary embolism
- A growing or tender pulsatile lump near a prior catheterization or injection site: possible pseudoaneurysm
Get evaluated proactively, if you have:
- Visible varicose veins with aching, heaviness, or skin changes
- Persistent leg swelling not explained by typical venous insufficiency; possible vein compression
- A family history of blood clots or vascular disease
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking
- Chronic leg swelling that gets worse throughout the day
- Prior DVT or PE requiring ongoing monitoring
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet, especially if it is persistent or affecting your walking.
Emergency Warning
Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, or a leg that is suddenly swollen, hot, and painful may signal a pulmonary embolism or severe DVT. Call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself.
Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Vascular Care
Benefits
- Noninvasive evaluation vascular ultrasound can assess blood flow without surgery or radiation.
- Earlier identification of circulation problems testing may help identify PAD, venous disease, and other vascular conditions before they become more advanced.
- Targeted treatment selected arterial blockages may be treated with catheter-based techniques when appropriate.
- Symptom management treatment may help reduce circulation-related symptoms such as leg pain, heaviness, or swelling.
- Individualized care planning treatment decisions are based on symptoms, imaging findings, vascular anatomy, and overall health.
Risks
- Vascular ultrasound: generally noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation.
- Angioplasty / atherectomy: bleeding or bruising at the access site; less commonly, vessel injury or other procedure-related complications.
- Vein procedures: temporary bruising, tenderness, or skin sensitivity may occur.
- Anticoagulation: may increase bleeding risk and requires appropriate medical monitoring.
- Invasive vascular procedures: uncommon but serious complications can occur and should be reviewed with the treating specialist beforehand.
Leg Pain, Swelling, or Circulation Concerns? Let's Find the Cause.
FHVI evaluates arterial and venous conditions at select Florida locations. Our team can help determine the appropriate diagnostic testing and next steps based on your symptoms and vascular needs.
Vascular Services, Testing & Minimally Invasive Treatments
Vascular Doppler Ultrasound
Vascular Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow through the arteries and veins. It can help identify narrowing, blockages, circulation problems, and other vascular abnormalities that may require further evaluation.
Peripheral Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA)
Peripheral angioplasty is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that may be used to open narrowed peripheral arteries and improve blood flow. Treatment is recommended based on symptoms, vascular imaging, anatomy, and the severity of arterial disease.
Atherectomy
Mechanical Thrombectomy
Mechanical thrombectomy is a catheter-based treatment used in selected patients to remove a blood clot and help restore blood flow. Whether this treatment is appropriate depends on the location and severity of the clot, symptoms, imaging findings, and overall health.
Radiofrequency Vein Ablation
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Foam Ablation / Sclerotherapy
Chemical Adhesive Vein Closure
Experienced Providers for Arterial & Venous Care
Aalok Dilipkumar Patel, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 10+ Years Experience
- Structural Heart Specialist
Dr. Asad Qamar, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 30+ Years of Experience
- Founder & CEO
Claudio F. Manubens, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 25+ Years Experience
- Former Chief of Cardiology
David Edmund Ruggieri, MD
Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 30+ Years Experience
- Interventional Cardiology
Jihad A. Mustapha, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 20+ Years Experience
- Vascular & Limb Salvage Expert
Dr. Oji Joseph, MD
Invasive Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 20+ Years Experience
- Interventional Cardiology
Syed Imran Ali, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 20+ Years of Experience
- Peripheral Vascular Specialist
Find an FHVI Vascular Care Location Near You
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Complete the form below with your preferred cardiologist, location, and reason for visit. An FHVI team member will contact you to confirm availability and next steps.
Trusted Cardiovascular Care Since 1997
Serving Patients Since 1997
Decades of cardiovascular care experience have shaped a patient-first approach focused on quality, continuity, and trust.
Physician-Led Cardiovascular Care
Our physicians stay closely involved in evaluation, treatment planning, and follow-up.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Modern cardiac and vascular testing supports accurate evaluation and informed care decisions.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Care recommendations are based on each patient’s symptoms, medical history, diagnostic findings, and individual needs.
Minimally Invasive Care Options
When appropriate, FHVI offers catheter-based and other minimally invasive treatment options for selected cardiovascular conditions.
Coordinated Care Across Florida
Multiple FHVI locations help patients access cardiovascular evaluation, testing, treatment, and follow-up closer to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
A vascular specialist treats diseases of the arteries and veins, including peripheral artery disease, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to your legs, usually caused by plaque buildup. It can cause leg pain when walking and, in severe cases, threaten the limb.
Common symptoms include leg pain or cramping when walking, cold or pale feet, slow-healing wounds, and numbness or tingling in the legs or feet.
Vein ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that closes a faulty varicose vein using heat delivered through a thin catheter, relieving symptoms like aching and swelling.
Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and medication for mild PAD to angioplasty, stenting, or pedal loop intervention for more severe blockages affecting blood flow to the leg or foot.
Blood clots can form due to prolonged immobility, surgery, certain medications, genetic clotting disorders, or underlying medical conditions. Risk increases with age, obesity, and a personal or family history of clots.
See a vascular specialist if you have leg pain when walking, visible varicose veins with symptoms, sudden leg swelling, non-healing wounds, or a family history of vascular disease or blood clots.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in your leg veins don’t work properly, allowing blood to pool instead of flowing back to the heart efficiently. This causes swelling, aching, and visible varicose veins over time.
You receive local anesthesia at the treatment site, so most patients feel minimal discomfort. Mild bruising or tightness along the treated vein is common for a few days afterward.
DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. A pulmonary embolism occurs when part of that clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, which is a medical emergency.
Vascular ultrasound is noninvasive and uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. Your care team can explain whether it is appropriate for your specific evaluation.
FHVI accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and many major commercial insurance plans. Coverage and authorization requirements vary by plan and service, so patients should verify benefits before treatment.
FHVI accepts referrals from primary care physicians and also sees patients directly for an initial vascular consultation.
In advanced cases, untreated PAD can progress to critical limb ischemia, where blood flow is so reduced that tissue is at risk. Early diagnosis and treatment, including techniques like pedal loop angioplasty, are aimed at preventing this outcome.
Carotid artery disease is plaque buildup in the neck arteries supplying the brain, raising stroke risk. It’s detected with carotid duplex ultrasound. Mild cases are managed with medication and monitoring; significant blockages may be treated with carotid stenting.
AAA screening is generally recommended for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, and for anyone with a family history of aneurysms. Most AAAs cause no symptoms, which is why proactive screening matters.