Vascular Medicine in Budapest

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 Budapest?

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 Budapest 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 Budapest, 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 Budapest

About Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and with A population of over 1.7 million, it is the most populous city in the country. Budapest is made up of three unified cities, Buda and Óbuda on the west bank of Danube and Pest on the east bank. The city is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its historic monuments, charming architecture, healing thermal waters, wonderful food, and lively nightlife draw millions of people each year.

Nowadays, an increasing number of people have chosen Budapest as their medical tourism destination thanks to its well-known excellent healthcare. Dental treatments along with cosmetic and plastic surgery are the most popular treatment that attracts medical tourists to Budapest. Premium Plastic Surgery Clinic and Dr. Molnar Clinic are two of the highest ranked medical facilities in Budapest. Medical tourists come to Budapest for the following reason:

• Experienced, highly qualified doctors and surgeons.
• The best and most modern medical facilities.
• A friendly environment with English speaking staff.
• Medical treatment at significantly lower prices.
• Beautiful city to enjoy while recovering.

Popular Areas in Budapest

There are many places to explore in Budapest. The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Danube Panorama and Castle district is the most beautiful and romantic parts of Budapest with countless historical monuments; Andrássy Avenue and Heroes Square are home to the most impressive buildings such as the State Opera House; The banks of the Danube river is a great place to see many of Budapest’s best sights.

The Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the largest building in Hungary, was designed in the Gothic Revival style. The building gives an enchanting view from every angle, especially from the other side of Danube when tourists can see the whole building. Tourists can also go to Castle Hill, one of the most visited places in Budapest with beautiful buildings that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

To escape the city, visit City Park where you will find a zoo, a replica of Transylvanian Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Széchenyi Bath. For visitors who wish to shop, try Ecseri Flea Marker, a fantastic flea market to find a bargain.

Weather and Climate in Budapest

Budapest has four distinct seasons.

• Summer in Budapest tends to be nice and warm with an average temperature ranging between 23 to 28 °C (73 – 82 °F). Summer lasts from May until mid-September. Heavy showers usually occur in May and June. Many tourists choose the summer to visit the city.
• The autumn in Budapest has moderate temperature with little rains and long sunny days, autumn starts from mid-September to late October.
• Winter can be really cold with only a little sunshine; the average temperature is 3 to -7 °C (27 to 19 °F). Winter lasts from November to March.
• Spring in Budapest is said to be one of the most beautiful times in the city when the green spaces are in full bloom. Spring starts from March to April and sees a rapid increase in the temperature.

Getting Around in Budapest

Ferenc Liszt International Airport (commonly referred to as “Ferihegy”) is the main airport in Budapest and in Hungary. The airport connects Budapest with many cities around the globe, mainly Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America. There are several budget airlines that operate flights in this airport such as Wizz Air, EasyJet, and Ryanair.

To get to the city center, tourists can take a taxi or a bus. Taxis are relatively cheap, always make sure to use regulated taxis to ensure your safety. The fare for taxis is 300 HUF/Km (1.03 USD). A ride to Budapest from Ferenc Liszt International Airport usually cost around 7200 HUF (24.8 USD).

The bus is the cheapest option to get to the city center. Budapest’s airport shuttle bus (100E) connects Ferenc Liszt Airport with the city center (Deák Ferenc Square). The trip takes about half an hour. Purchase a ticket at the airport post office, BKK customer points in arrivals halls, the newsagents, and from the ticket machine at the bus stops. Bus drivers also sell tickets for 450 HUF (1.60 USD). It is better and simpler to purchase daily or multi-day passes which are valid for an unlimited number of trips within their validity periods. The multi-day pass costs 1650 HUF (6.15 USD).

The best way to explore Budapest is by walking because most tourist sites are within walking distance. An alternative to walking is cycling. Budapest offers a bicycle sharing system called BuBi. Metro, trams, trolleybuses, buses, and the HÉV suburban train line are also available to get around Budapest.

Tourist Visas in Budapest

Citizens of the European Union, the United States, and Canada can enter and stay in Hungary without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of EU/EEA members and 33 countries are granted visa-free entry for a maximum period of 90 days. The only condition is to have a passport valid for at least three months. Other foreign citizens need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

As a part of the Schengen Agreement, holders of the Schengen Visa do not need to apply for a new visa. The Schengen Visa is only issued to citizens of countries who are required to obtain a visa before entering Europe.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).  1 USD is equivalent to 290 HUF.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can withdraw money from ATMs. Credit cards (mainly Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted in restaurants, hotels, and even most taxis. There are several hotels and guesthouses that will accept euros. Tipping is always appreciated but not necessary.
3. Local Language: The official language is Hungarian and is spoken by most of the population. Most people, especially in tourist areas, will know sufficient English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Budapest is home to one of the most populous Christian communities in Central Europe. Judaism is also a significant religion.
5. Public Holidays: Budapest celebrates Christian holy days as in the rest of Hungary. The city hosts many festivals around the year such as Budapest Spring Festival, Budapest Easter Festival, Music Festival in Spring, as well as Food and Frink Festivals. The date for these festivals may differ from year to year.