What is an angiologist?
Angiology focuses on the prevention, diagnosis of and therapy for diseases of the veins, arteries and lymphatic vessels. Angiologists perform both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Vascular diseases occur throughout the body. Therefore, angiologists work closely with colleagues from different medical fields, for example vascular surgery, cardiology and neurology.
Angiology and phlebology – what is the difference?
Phlebology focuses primarily on diseases of the veins. Angiology, in contrast, focuses on the entire vascular system of the human body.
What do specialists in internal medicine with a focus on angiology examine and treat?
The main focus is on inflammatory diseases of the vessels as well as diseases caused by wear and tear or ageing. Other diseases related to the veins, arteries, lymph vessels or capillaries include:
- Arterial occlusive disease
- Thrombosis (blood clots)
- Varices (varicose veins)
- Lymphoedema (protein-rich fluid accumulation in tissue)
- Diabetic foot syndrome (late complication of diabetes mellitus due to circulatory disturbance and nerve damage)
Examination and treatment methods used by vascular specialists
As well as intensive discussions with the patient and a physical examination, angiologists also use technical examination methods, such as ultrasound (sonography), to make a diagnosis. Angiologists usually use Doppler or duplex sonography to visualise vessels and measure blood flow.
Angiology specialists also use other imaging methods, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computer tomography) scanning, as well as angiography or phlebography, in which the vessels can be visualised by injecting a contrast medium and taking an X-ray image.
Examples of angiology treatment methods
The therapy depends on the type of vessels affected and the disease. It may be physical, such as using medical compression stockings for diseases of the venous and lymphatic system. Surgical interventions or medicinal treatments are also some of the treatment options for vascular diseases.
The human body
Diagnosis & treatment
Product tip
Health personnel will make the diagnosis and can prescribe compression stockings, e.g. from medi if necessary.
Your medical retailer will fit them individually for you.
