When to See a Vascular Specialist
Seven symptoms that need a vascular specialist, which ones are emergencies, and where to read more.
Short answer: see a vascular specialist when a symptom may come from the arteries, veins or a dialysis access: leg pain on walking, a swollen leg, varicose veins with skin changes, a foot wound that is not healing, a known aneurysm, mini-stroke symptoms or a problem with your fistula. Some of these are emergencies: call 995 first.
A vascular specialist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. Dr Andrew Choong is a vascular, endovascular and aortic surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre. Most assessments start with a consultation and a duplex ultrasound scan, often the same day.
Leg pain when walking
Cramping or aching in the calf, thigh or buttock that comes on with walking and settles with rest can be claudication, a sign of narrowed leg arteries. Book a scan. Call 995 if a leg suddenly becomes cold, pale, painful, numb or weak. Read: PAD and poor leg circulation.
A swollen leg
A new swollen, painful or warm leg can be a deep vein thrombosis and needs a scan the same day. Call 995 for sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing blood. Read: DVT: symptoms, same-day scan and treatment.
Varicose veins with skin changes
Aching veins, ankle swelling, skin darkening, eczema or a vein that has bled are reasons for a scan. If a varicose vein is bleeding now, lie down, raise the leg and press firmly on the spot; call 995 if it does not stop. Read: varicose veins.
A foot or leg wound that is not healing
A wound that is slow to heal, especially with diabetes, needs its blood flow checked. Spreading redness, fever or a black area on the foot need same-day care. Read: diabetic foot and wound care.
A known aortic aneurysm
An aneurysm found on a scan needs a plan for monitoring or repair. Call 995 for sudden severe chest, back or abdominal pain. Read: aortic aneurysm and dissection.
Mini-stroke symptoms
Sudden facial droop, arm weakness, slurred speech or loss of vision in one eye, even if it passes, can be a mini-stroke. Call 995 at once. Afterwards, a neck ultrasound checks the carotid arteries. Read: carotid artery disease.
A dialysis access problem
Fistula not working, or the thrill has gone? Contact the clinic straight away: urgent access problems are seen the same day. Read: dialysis access problems.
What happens at a first visit
The consultation covers your symptoms and history, followed by an examination and, where needed, a duplex ultrasound. The scan result and the options are discussed at the same visit. If you are comparing doctors, our guide on how to choose a vascular surgeon in Singapore explains what to look for.
WhatsApp Dr Choong on +65 9027 8636 (he usually replies within the hour) or call the clinic on +65 9376 8688. Urgent problems are seen the same day at Mount Elizabeth Novena. All contact options.