Vascular Medicine in Alicante

Vascular medicine, also known as angiology, is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all problems that involve the lymphatic and circulatory systems outside of the heart. These problems can involve:

• Arteries, which is the blood vessel that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body.
• Veins, which is the blood vessel that delivers blood back to the heart.
• Lymphatic system, which is the network of vessels that transport lymph throughout the body.

A physician who specializes in vascular medicine is called an avascular doctor or vascular medicine specialist. They are trained to provide comprehensive and effective care for all kinds of vascular diseases and conditions of the circulatory system. Some of the most common conditions are as follows:

• Peripheral arterial disease or claudication, which is blockages in the leg arteries that can cause pain when walking.
• Renal artery stenosis, which is blockages in the kidney arteries. It can contribute to chronic kidney disease and/or high blood pressure.
• Carotid artery stenosis, which is blockages in the kidney arteries. It can lead to a stroke.
• Venous problems, such as chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Abdominal aortic aneurysms, which is a bulging of the aorta. It can cause the aorta to rupture.
• Vasculitis, lymphedema, Raynaud’s, and varicose veins.

Vascular medicine doctors diagnose and treat all blood vessels conditions using numerous non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, such as:

• Abdominal aortic ultrasound
• Carotid ultrasound
• Venous and arterial ultrasound
• Wound care
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Endovenous laser and radiofrequency ablation
• Sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
• Ambulatory phlebectomy
• Anticoagulation management and monitoring.

How Long Should I Stay in Alicante?

Since most vascular medicine procedures can be performed as an outpatient procedure, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day. Still, you should plan to stay in Alicante for at least 3 to 7 days to let your body recover and attend a follow-up checkup, if necessary. However, this depends on the condition and the type of treatment you will have. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Different conditions and procedures have different recovery times. In many cases, you can expect to return to work immediately or within a couple of days and strenuous activities within 5 days or so. However, for more serious conditions, such as renal artery stenosis, longer recovery time may be needed.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you aftercare instructions, which normally include activity restrictions, dietary and exercise recommendations, as well as how to care for yourself at home. Following all of the instructions is important to avoid complications and to speed up your recovery. If your doctor prescribes you medicines, make sure to take them as directed. For certain diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis, you may need to see your doctor regularly for scans to check your blood clots. If you cannot travel multiple times to Alicante, you can choose to have the checkups with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

Over the last several decades, the clinical practice of vascular medicine has significantly changed. Understanding of vascular diseases is continuously expanding, resulting in the development of new therapeutic approaches. A better understanding of vascular conditions, new techniques, and technological advances have played crucial roles in improving the success rates and safety of vascular medical procedures.  

Are there Alternatives?

There is currently no alternative to vascular medicine. However, if your doctor thinks that you need surgery, they will refer you to vascular surgery. They will also refer you to a relevant specialist if your condition is found to be caused by something else unrelated to the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

Vascular Medicine in and around Alicante

About Alicante

Alicante is a city in Spain known for its historic Mediterranean port, castle, old quarter, and sandy beaches. It is also popular for its exciting eating scene and legendary nightlife. Due to the city’s resorts and attractions, the city is very much influenced by tourism. Home to numerous top-quality, world-renowned medical facilities, it is also one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism in Spain. Almost all of the medical facilities in the city have top-level medical professionals who specialize in the use and application of the most advanced medical technologies in all branches of medicine. Added to this is the city’s affordable medical costs that allow international medical tourists to save 30% to 70% of their money. Also, the city’s strategic location makes it very accessible for foreign patients.

Popular Parts of Alicante

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alicante offers a wealth of activities for anyone who wants to have fun under the sun. The most popular beach in the city is San Juan de Alicante, which offers fine, golden sand and clear blue waters. On this beach, visitors can try kayaks, yachts, surfing, or even scuba diving. Another popular beach is Playa del Postiguet where visitors can relax and sunbathe. Beyond its beaches, Alicante has many other attractions. One of the most popular is the old town as it is filled with beautiful architecture; art museums, a cathedral, and stunning narrow streets. The city also has numerous historic sites and museums, such as Castell de la Santa Barbara, Museu de la Ciutat d’Alacant, Basilica de Santa Maria, and Museum de Belles Arts Gravina.

Transport in Alicante

Visitors will arrive at Alicante–Elche Airport, which is the fifth-busiest airport in Spain and operates international flights to and from numerous cities in Europe. To get around the city, the tram and bus are the most affordable options. Both have expansive networks that stop at key locations. Taxis are also available, regulated, and relatively affordable. Those who stay in the old town can get around on foot since most areas of interest are within walking distance.

Visas in Alicante

Spain is a member of the Schengen Convention. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, are granted visa-free entry and can stay for up to 90 days. Other countries need to apply for a visa prior to traveling. 

Weather in Alicante

The weather in Alicante is pleasant all-year-round, due to its location on the Mediterranean coast. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. During the hottest months of the summer, July and August, the temperatures rarely drop below 30°C. However, the refreshing and cooling breeze of the Mediterranean Sea makes it endurable. In the winter, the temperatures can drop to 8°C. Autumn and spring are both pleasant.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The euro is the official currency and 1 EUR is approx. = 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available. Credit and debit cards can be used for most purchases and tipping is optional.
3. Local Language: The official language is Spanish. Many people can speak good English. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: The largest religion is Catholic Christianity, but there are also small groups of Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and several other religions.
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most important public holidays are New Year’s Day, Day of Murcia, and Christmas Day.