Vascular Specialists vs Cardiologists

When you have a health condition related to your circulatory system, it can be hard to understand which medical specialist can provide the most support. Two common clinician types that help patients facing circulatory conditions are cardiologists and vascular specialists. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between the two.

What Is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a physician trained to help patients with medical conditions pertaining to the heart and blood vessels. The heart’s continuous beat drives blood throughout the circulatory system, and a cardiologist can help manage conditions related to the heart’s health, structure, and performance.

When Would You See a Cardiologist?

You may need to see a cardiologist to help you evaluate and manage health conditions such as chest pain (angina), coronary artery disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, and heart valve problems, among others. A cardiologist can help you stay healthy by making recommendations for lifestyle changes and medication therapy, among many other tools.

What Is a Vascular Specialist?

A vascular specialist is a physician with specialized training in helping patients manage vascular conditions, which are those related to the blood vessels. While the heart serves as the generator of beats that propel blood throughout the body, the blood vessels (arteries and veins) carry the blood safely throughout the vascular system. Vascular problems can disrupt this blood flow and cause pain and dysfunction.

When Would You See a Vascular Specialist?

You may need to see a vascular specialist to help you manage health conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A vascular specialist can offer tailored therapy, including smoking cessation programs and medication therapy. They can also perform targeted procedures that help break up blood clots or widen blood vessels, as well as surgeries that can help improve or restore blood flow throughout the vascular system.

How to Learn More About Vascular Care

Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates is committed to providing the highest quality of care in a patient-centered environment. Our offices are conveniently located in Flemington, Clinton, and Bridgewater. We have subspecialty offices available, including The Center for Vascular Care, which was established to provide patients with the most personalized care possible for their vascular conditions. To make an appointment with The Center for Vascular Care, get in touch with us today.

Posted in: Uncategorized

Get In Touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Please note this website is NOT monitored by clinical staff. If you are experiencing any cardiac symptoms. Please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.