The arteries in the lungs ensure that blood freshly saturated with oxygen reaches the organs and tissues. Their narrowing or blockage can cause damage or necrosis of the organs and tissues they supply, accompanied by corresponding symptoms. For example, narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries impairs blood circulation in the brain, resulting in neurological symptoms such as paralysis, speech and vision disorders, and loss of sensation and movement. Damage to the arteries in the lower limbs and reduced blood supply to the muscles can limit walking distance, causing a condition known as “window shopping disease” and, in more severe cases, leading to necrosis and gangrene. The most common causes of vascular narrowing are smoking, lipid metabolism disorders, inflammatory processes, hereditary factors, possibly diabetes, or other diseases affecting blood coagulability. The original cause cannot always be determined with certainty. However, by taking the symptoms into account and examining the patient physically and with special equipment, the damaged section of the artery can be identified and the most effective treatment method determined.
This may be so-called conservative therapy: medication, lifestyle changes, possibly physical therapy, or some kind of intervention that immediately improves blood circulation: surgery, catheter dilation/opening. The choice of solution can be decided based on the results of the tests. After the first phase, which involves outpatient physical and instrumental diagnostics, Doppler, Color Duplex Ultrasound, flow velocity and tissue oxygenation measurements, more complex imaging procedures such as catheter angiography, CT or even MR may be necessary to make the right decision. However, these tests are available in Hungary through the public health care system and are financed by the National Health Insurance Fund, as are surgical and catheter interventions. At this stage, we can assist Hungarian citizens with patient referral. For foreign citizens, these services are subject to a fee. Our vascular surgeon colleagues can provide them with direct assistance at the appropriate healthcare institution through the official channels available to them.
Another group of diseases affecting the arteries can also be traced back to damage to the artery wall, but in this case it is not narrowing, but rather dilation. This is called an aneurysm. In this case, the primary danger and problem is not a reduction in blood supply, but rather rupture and the resulting bleeding. Of course, in this case too, changes in circulation can lead to blood clots and blockages in the blood vessels. This can lead to symptoms similar to those of vascular narrowing. The examination and treatment of vascular dilation can also be carried out in accordance with the above steps.
If you suspect you may have narrowing or dilation of the arteries, or if you are concerned about a family history of such conditions, you can turn to us with confidence. Our specialist colleagues will do everything in their power to protect and restore your health.
“The most important moment in our lives: The one we are currently experiencing. The most important person in our lives: The one standing right in front of us. And the most important feeling is love.”
The goal of all healthcare is to solve the patient’s problem as effectively as possible, i.e., to ensure that the intervention results in the fastest possible recovery time, the least possible pain, the best possible outcome, and the lowest possible chance of recurrence. The two most important factors in this are the doctor and the patient.
It is easy to see that the intervention will be most successful if both sides are as well prepared as possible for the date of the intervention. In developing our clinic, selecting our staff, providing training, and purchasing equipment, we always keep in mind that we want to treat our patients with the latest equipment and the best-trained staff available.
The other most important factor is the patient, i.e. your cooperation. Every person comes to us in a different physical and mental state, with different comorbidities and different types of problems, so it is important to discuss on an individual basis exactly how to prepare for a procedure and what you can and cannot do after surgery or laser treatment, for example. Therefore, an important part of success is that you follow our recommendations and advice after the examination or procedure.
What has been described so far may be true for any service. Today’s times suggest that even healthcare or health is just a “service” that can be purchased, where demand, supply, results, and money determine how things work.
However, there is something extra in the doctor-patient relationship, because when someone decides to be examined or operated on by a doctor, a contract is formed between them. This contract is not only about results, risks, and price, but above all about something unspoken: trust, because the patient entrusts us with their greatest treasure, their health.
The patient allows the doctor to touch, for example, their leg—something we would not allow just anyone to do—or to share confidential information about themselves.
The doctor respects the patient’s requests, keeps their secrets, tries to resolve their complaints, and helps them heal. This cannot be a one-sided “service”; it takes two people. It is this human connection that helps the patient overcome obstacles, fear, anxiety, and unpleasant moments in such an unusual situation. It is this trust that gives medicine the quality we truly love, because it makes our success a shared one. Trust cannot be bought, and it is difficult to earn, but we sincerely strive to deserve it. That is why no one leaves us feeling let down or with unanswered questions.
Best regards,
The VeinStream Clinic Team