Vascular diseases are a broad group of conditions affecting the arteries and veins throughout the body — from blocked leg arteries and carotid (neck) artery narrowing to aortic aneurysm, varicose veins and diabetic foot. Each has its own symptoms, risks and treatment, but they share one truth: early diagnosis saves limbs and lives.
This page offers an overview of the main vascular diseases and links to our detailed treatment guides. All content is prepared and medically reviewed by Cardiovascular & Vascular Surgeon Prof. Dr. Yusuf Kalko, who treats both Turkish and international patients in Turkey (Istanbul).
In short: Most vascular diseases progress silently. The most common are peripheral (leg) artery disease, carotid artery narrowing, aortic aneurysm, varicose veins / chronic venous insufficiency and diabetic foot. Leg pain on walking, coldness or colour change in the foot, a slow-healing wound or sudden stroke symptoms should always be evaluated.
The Main Vascular Diseases & Their Symptoms
Below is an overview of the most common vascular diseases. Each title links to its detailed diagnosis and treatment guide.
Peripheral Artery Disease (Leg Artery Blockage)
Narrowing of the leg arteries due to atherosclerosis. The classic symptom is leg pain that appears on walking and eases with rest (claudication); advanced disease causes coldness, colour change and non-healing wounds. Details: Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment.
Carotid Artery Disease
Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck that supply the brain. It is often silent but significantly raises the risk of stroke. Details: Carotid Artery Disease & Stroke Prevention.
Aortic Aneurysm
A balloon-like enlargement of the aorta, the body’s main artery. It usually grows without symptoms and is life-threatening if it ruptures; high blood pressure and smoking are the main risks. Details: Aortic Aneurysm Treatment.
Varicose Veins & Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Caused by failing valves in the leg veins, allowing blood to pool. Symptoms include heaviness, aching, swelling, bulging veins and, in advanced cases, skin changes and ulcers. Details: Varicose Veins Treatment · Venous Insufficiency.
Diabetic Foot
Damage to vessels and nerves from diabetes leads to slow-healing foot wounds and infection; if neglected, it can progress to tissue loss and limb loss. Details: Diabetic Foot Treatment.
Buerger’s Disease
A smoking-related inflammatory disease that blocks the small arteries of the hands and feet, mostly in young men. Details: Buerger’s Disease Treatment.
When Are Symptoms an Emergency?
The following require emergency evaluation; delay can cost a limb or a life:
- Sudden, severe leg pain with coldness, paleness or a bluish colour (acute arterial occlusion)
- Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, slurred speech or facial droop (stroke — FAST signs)
- Sudden, severe, tearing pain in the abdomen or back (possible aortic aneurysm rupture)
- In a diabetic patient, a rapidly enlarging foot wound, foul discharge or blackening tissue
⚠ In these situations call your local emergency number without delay. In stroke and acute arterial occlusion, treatment success depends directly on time.
Risk Factors for Vascular Disease
Most vascular diseases share the same risk factors — and the good news is that most are modifiable:
- Smoking — the single strongest and most preventable risk
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes and high cholesterol
- Atherosclerosis, physical inactivity and excess weight
- Increasing age and a family history of vascular disease
Our Approach
At our clinic in Istanbul (Beylikdüzü), as a cardiovascular & vascular surgeon we manage both arterial and venous disease comprehensively:
- Accurate diagnosis with Doppler ultrasound and CT/MR angiography to map the location and severity of disease.
- Least-invasive option first: where suitable, we prefer minimally invasive and endovascular (closed) techniques.
- Advanced surgery when needed: bypass, aneurysm repair, carotid surgery and hybrid procedures for widespread or critical disease.
- Limb salvage: in diabetic foot and critical limb ischaemia, preserving tissue and the limb is our priority.
Why Choose Turkey (Istanbul) for Your Vascular Treatment?
Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, has become a leading destination for international patients seeking vascular care. Patients choose treatment in Turkey with Prof. Dr. Yusuf Kalko for:
- An experienced cardiovascular & vascular surgeon with 30+ years of practice
- Modern endovascular, hybrid and minimally invasive techniques
- A single point of contact from first consultation to aftercare
- A central Istanbul location that is easy to reach from abroad
How to Start from Abroad (Remote Consultation)
You can begin without travelling. Send your reports and imaging (Doppler, CT/MR angiography) for an initial assessment; we then discuss your options and plan timing. To start, message us on WhatsApp.
Related Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Which doctor treats vascular diseases?
Arterial and venous conditions — leg artery blockage, carotid disease, aortic aneurysm, varicose veins and diabetic foot — are managed by a Cardiovascular & Vascular Surgeon. If you have symptoms or risk factors, this is the specialist to consult.
What are the first signs of vascular disease?
The most common early signs are leg pain on walking (claudication), coldness and colour change in the foot, leg heaviness with swelling and bulging veins, and slow-healing foot wounds. Many vascular diseases are silent, so screening matters for those at risk.
Can a blocked artery be treated without surgery?
In early disease, lifestyle changes and medication may be enough. For significant narrowing, closed (endovascular) methods such as balloon and stent — or bypass when needed — are used. The method depends on the location and severity of the blockage.
Is the carotid (neck) artery dangerous when narrowed?
Yes. Narrowing of the carotid artery can send clots to the brain and cause a stroke. Because it is often silent, those at risk should be screened with Doppler ultrasound.
Are varicose veins the same as artery blockage?
No. Varicose veins and venous insufficiency are vein problems causing swelling and bulging veins. Artery blockage reduces blood flow to tissue, causing pain on walking, coldness and wounds. Their treatments differ.
Can I have my vascular treatment in Turkey as an international patient?
Yes. Many international patients are treated in Istanbul. You can begin with a remote consultation by sending your reports and imaging, then plan your visit and treatment timing.
How can I prevent vascular disease?
Stopping smoking, controlling blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, staying active and eating well are the most effective steps. Those with risk factors benefit from regular vascular check-ups for early diagnosis.
To evaluate your vascular health — leg pain, swelling, carotid or aortic screening — request an appointment in Istanbul (Beylikdüzü): contact us on WhatsApp.
Sources
- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) — Clinical Practice Guidelines: esvs.org
- European Society of Cardiology (ESC) — Guidelines: escardio.org
- American Heart Association (AHA): heart.org
- IWGDF — Diabetic Foot Guidelines: iwgdfguidelines.org
Scientific Publications
The information on this page is also supported by Prof. Dr. Yusuf Kalko’s peer-reviewed research published in international journals:
- The surgical treatment of arterial aneurysms in Behçet disease: a report of 16 patients. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2005. Kalko Y, et al. PubMed ↗
- Effects of atorvastatin on vascular intimal hyperplasia: an experimental rodent model. Angiology, 2009. Kalko Y, et al. PubMed ↗
- Surgery of the carotid artery: local anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia. Acta Chirurgica Belgica, 2007. Kalko Y, et al. PubMed ↗
- Carotid endarterectomy under local anesthesia: single institutional experience. Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2006. Kalko Y, et al. PubMed ↗
- Visceral artery aneurysms. The Heart Surgery Forum, 2007. Kalko Y, et al. PubMed ↗
- Mid-term outcome with surgery for type B aortic dissections: a single center experience. Journal of Cardiac Surgery, 2008. Kalko Y, et al. PubMed ↗
This content is for information only and does not replace a medical examination. For your symptoms, consult a cardiovascular & vascular surgeon. In an emergency, call your local emergency number without delay.