Question 1

Dizziness – Vertigo

Accepted Answer

What patients describe as dizziness/instability/vertigo can be (A) a pre-syncopal/syncopal episode where the patient sees "stars", vision "blacks out" and may lead to loss of consciousness, or (B) vertigo where the patient loses balance because they see the room moving/spinning around them. The pre-syncopal episode is due to reduced blood supply to the brain (low blood pressure, carotid stenosis, cardiac arrhythmias) while vertigo is due to dysfunction of the balance mechanism (ENT problems or Neurological diseases). Examination by a Vascular Surgeon is necessary to rule out carotid stenosis.

Question 2

My legs hurt when I walk

Accepted Answer

When legs hurt while walking, this may be due to reduced blood supply (arterial stenosis), difficulty in venous blood return (vein thrombosis), neurological problems (intervertebral disc herniation causing narrowing) or orthopedic problems. A visit to a Vascular Surgeon can rule out the presence of lower limb arterial stenosis.

Question 3

One or both of my legs is swollen

Accepted Answer

When one leg is swollen, venous thrombosis is a more likely diagnosis than swelling of both lower limbs. Vein thrombosis impedes the return of blood from the limb and consequently creates edema/swelling that improves when the leg is elevated. In such cases, prompt examination by a Vascular Surgeon is necessary.

Question 4

I have a wound on my leg that won't heal

Accepted Answer

Delayed wound healing or the unexplained appearance of new wounds/ulcers without obvious cause may indicate the presence of a vascular disorder (arterial or venous). To avoid superinfection from resistant microbial strains due to chronicity, immediate assessment by a Vascular Surgeon is recommended to rule out or promptly address the cause.

Question 5

I temporarily lose vision in one eye for a few seconds

Accepted Answer

This specific symptom is called amaurosis fugax and may be due to embolism of the eye vessels by small clots. The cause of the clots may be cardiac arrhythmias or narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. These include the carotid arteries, and their examination by a Vascular Surgeon in this case is essential.

Question 6

I have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and I feel pain in my back or abdomen

Accepted Answer

If you have a known abdominal aortic aneurysm and experience sudden pain in the abdomen or the lumbar region of the spine (lower back), you should immediately go to the emergency department of the on-call hospital and/or immediately inform the Vascular Surgeon monitoring you.

Question 7

A relative of mine has an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Accepted Answer

It is a fact that heredity is significant in the occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysms. There are families in which the occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysms is more frequent. Therefore, if you have a relative who suffers from an abdominal aortic aneurysm and you are over 60 years old, a Vascular Surgery examination is recommended to rule out the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Question 8

I am diabetic and I have developed a wound on my toe but I feel no pain

Accepted Answer

Pain in diabetic patients is significantly reduced or even disappears due to the peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. If you develop an ulcer on your foot, it is advisable to be examined immediately by a Vascular Surgeon.

Concerning Symptoms