Video: Five Vascular Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
Transcript
Read the full transcript
Today is the last day of this 30-day vascular awareness series, so I want to finish with five symptoms that should make you think about seeing a vascular specialist.
Number one: leg pain when walking that settles when you stop. That could be peripheral arterial disease. Two: a swollen, painful calf, especially if it is one-sided. That can be a DVT. Three: a foot wound or toe wound that is just not healing. That could be a circulation problem, not just a skin problem. Number four: varicose veins with skin changes, bleeding, ulcers, heaviness or swelling. Varicose veins are not always just cosmetic. And number five: sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain, especially if it feels unusual or tearing in nature. Rarely, that can represent an aortic emergency.
The point is, don't panic. Recognise these patterns early. Vascular disease is often treatable, but it is much better to find it before it becomes an emergency. So, finally, at the end of 30 days, if you have any concerning leg symptoms, non-healing wounds, varicose vein complications or a known aortic aneurysm, get it properly assessed. I'm Dr Andrew Choong, and I'm a vascular surgeon in Singapore.
About This Video
Five patterns to recognise: walking-related leg pain, one-sided calf swelling, a non-healing foot wound, complicated varicose veins and sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain. Dr Andrew Choong distinguishes assessment needs from emergency symptoms.
These patterns can have several causes and do not establish a diagnosis. Suspected DVT needs urgent medical assessment. A stable circulation concern can be reviewed in clinic, while a new emergency symptom needs immediate help.
For sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain, collapse, new breathlessness or a suddenly cold, painful or weak limb, call 995 in Singapore or your local emergency number elsewhere. Do not wait for a clinic appointment or a WhatsApp reply.
Related Patient Information
- Read the full article: five vascular warning signs
- Vascular conditions: symptoms and assessment
- Walking-related leg pain and PAD
- DVT and one-sided leg swelling
- Foot wounds and circulation
- Varicose veins and complications
- Aortic aneurysm and dissection
- Vascular treatment options
For a non-emergency review or second opinion, contact Andrew Choong Vascular Surgery at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, #09-22, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563.
This video provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.