A cardiologist treats the heart and its coronary arteries. A vascular surgeon treats all arteries and veins outside the heart: leg, neck and aortic arteries, varicose veins and venous clots, diabetic foot, and dialysis access. Today's vascular surgeons offer both surgery and endovascular (catheter) treatment.
"My leg hurts when I walk; should I see a cardiologist?" We hear this a lot. The confusion is understandable: arteries throughout the body are affected by nearly the same disease, but each specialty covers a different area.
What does a cardiologist treat?
- The heart itself: weak heart muscle, valves and rhythm problems.
- The coronary arteries, cardiac catheterisation and coronary stents.
- High blood pressure and its effects on the heart.
What does a vascular surgeon treat?
- Leg arteries: claudication and rest pain. Peripheral artery disease.
- Diabetic foot and chronic wounds from poor circulation. Diabetic foot.
- Veins: varicose and spider veins, venous leg ulcers and venous clots.
- The aorta: abdominal and thoracic aneurysms.
- Neck arteries: carotid narrowing to prevent stroke.
- Dialysis access and its problems.
- Vascular malformations and vessel injuries.
Does a vascular surgeon only operate?
No. Modern vascular surgery combines open surgery, endovascular catheter techniques, laser and injection treatments. The vascular surgeon chooses the best option for each patient, and most cases today are treated without open surgery.
Quick guide: who to see
- Chest pain, breathlessness or palpitations → cardiologist.
- Leg pain on walking, a cold foot, or a non-healing wound → vascular surgeon.
- Varicose veins, leg swelling or a suspected leg clot → vascular surgeon.
- Carotid narrowing on Doppler → vascular surgeon (with the neurologist).
- An aortic aneurysm on a scan → vascular surgeon.
Why the two specialties work together
People with leg artery disease are also at risk of coronary disease, and vice versa. Many patients follow up with both, and peripheral artery disease patients are advised to have a heart assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a vascular surgeon treat varicose veins?
Yes. Varicose veins, spider veins and venous clots are core vascular surgery conditions.
Is leg pain on walking a heart problem?
Usually not; it may be narrowed leg arteries and needs a vascular surgeon's assessment with Doppler.
Do vascular surgeons do angioplasty?
Yes. Modern vascular surgery includes endovascular treatment of arteries and veins outside the heart.
Content on this website is for awareness only and does not replace a specialist medical examination.