Free vascular screening highlights hidden burden of circulatory diseases, with doctors advising surgery for five patients
Hyderabad: CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, has reported a high prevalence of undiagnosed vascular disorders after screening 300 people during a Free Vascular Health Check Camp organised on National Vascular Day.
The camp, conducted under the leadership of Dr. P. C. Gupta, Clinical Director & HOD – Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Vascular IR & Podiatric Surgery, offered free vascular consultations and Doppler assessments for individuals at risk of vascular disease.
Among those screened, doctors diagnosed 70 cases of varicose veins, identified 50 people with suspected Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and detected 20 diabetic foot complications requiring specialised vascular care. Additionally, 20 participants were advised advanced vascular investigations or interventions, while five patients were recommended vascular surgery following clinical evaluation.
Doctors noted that several attendees had been living with symptoms such as leg pain while walking, persistent swelling, numbness, cold feet and non-healing foot ulcers for months without seeking specialist care, often attributing them to ageing or diabetes.
Speaking after the camp, Dr. Gupta said the findings demonstrate that vascular diseases continue to remain under-recognised despite affecting a large number of high-risk individuals.
"Symptoms such as leg pain while walking, numbness, cold feet and wounds that do not heal should never be ignored. Early diagnosis through vascular screening enables timely intervention and can prevent avoidable amputations while improving quality of life," he said.
He further advised that people with diabetes, smokers, individuals aged above 50 years, and those with hypertension or high cholesterol should undergo periodic vascular assessments to detect blocked arteries before complications develop.
Abhinav Joshi, Zonal Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, said preventive health initiatives such as community vascular screening camps play an important role in identifying disease early and connecting patients with timely specialist care.
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a progressive condition caused by reduced blood flow to the legs due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Experts warn that delayed diagnosis can lead to chronic wounds, diabetic foot complications and, in severe cases, limb loss. Hospitals say awareness, timely Doppler evaluation and early treatment remain the most effective strategies to reduce the burden of preventable vascular complications.