Vascular diseases affect the arteries, veins and lymphatics responsible for circulation throughout the body. Early recognition of symptoms and timely treatment can prevent serious complications such as limb loss or stroke. Below are the common vascular conditions evaluated and treated by Dr Rahul Agarwal at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
🧨 Arterial Diseases
Arterial diseases occur when blood vessels supplying oxygen-rich blood to the body become narrowed, blocked, or weakened. This can reduce blood flow to the legs, organs, and brain, leading to serious complications if not treated promptly.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease occurs when fatty deposits narrow or block the arteries supplying blood to the legs. The most common symptom is pain or cramping in the legs while walking — called claudication — which eases with rest. In severe cases, patients develop rest pain, non-healing ulcers, or critical limb ischaemia, which can lead to amputation if not treated.
Common symptoms: Leg pain while walking · Cold or pale feet · Non-healing wounds · Weak or absent foot pulse
→ Learn more about Peripheral Artery Disease
Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulging or widening of the aorta — the largest artery in the body. Aneurysms may be present in the abdomen (AAA) or chest (thoracic). They are often silent but carry a risk of rupture, which is life-threatening. Treatment options include minimally invasive endovascular repair (EVAR/TEVAR) and open surgery.
🦵 Venous Diseases
Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. When venous valves fail or veins become obstructed, blood pools in the legs, causing a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to serious ulceration.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that develop when the valves inside leg veins stop working properly, causing blood to pool. Symptoms include visible bulging veins, heaviness, aching, swelling, skin discolouration, and in advanced cases, venous ulcers. Modern minimally invasive treatments — including laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and glue therapy — are highly effective with minimal downtime.
→ Learn more about Varicose Veins Treatment
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg. DVT can cause pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected limb. The most serious complication is pulmonary embolism, where the clot travels to the lungs. DVT requires prompt diagnosis and treatment with anticoagulation and, in some cases, catheter-directed thrombolysis.
🥺 Diabetic Foot and Limb Salvage
Diabetes damages both the nerves (neuropathy) and blood vessels (vasculopathy) in the feet. This combination means patients may not feel injuries, and wounds heal poorly due to reduced blood supply. Early vascular evaluation and a coordinated multidisciplinary approach can prevent the majority of amputations.
Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot complications include non-healing ulcers, infection, gangrene, and Charcot foot. Vascular assessment determines whether blocked arteries are contributing to poor healing — and if so, restoring blood flow is a critical step in treatment. Dr Rahul Agarwal works within a multidisciplinary limb salvage team to achieve the best outcomes for each patient.
→ Learn more about Diabetic Foot Care and Limb Salvage
🩸 Dialysis Access
Patients with kidney failure who require haemodialysis need reliable vascular access — a surgically created connection between their blood vessels and the dialysis machine. The right type of access, properly planned and maintained, is essential for effective and safe dialysis.
AV Fistula (Arteriovenous Fistula)
An AV fistula is created by surgically connecting an artery and vein, usually in the forearm or upper arm. It is the gold standard for dialysis access, offering the longest lifespan and lowest infection risk. Forward planning — ideally 3–6 months before dialysis begins — gives the fistula time to mature and be ready when needed.
AV Graft
When a patient’s own veins are not suitable for a fistula, a synthetic tube is used to bridge an artery and vein. AV grafts can be used sooner after placement but are more prone to clotting and infection over time.
Tunnelled Dialysis Catheter (Permcath)
A tunnelled catheter inserted into a large neck vein provides immediate dialysis access. It is used as a bridge while a fistula or graft matures, or when other options are not feasible. Long-term catheter use carries a higher infection risk and is generally avoided where possible.
→ Learn more about Dialysis Access & AV Fistula Surgery in Hyderabad
📍 Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing any vascular symptoms or have been referred for specialist evaluation, Dr Rahul Agarwal is available for consultation at CARE Hospitals Outpatient Centre, Road No. 10, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.