The importance of regular checkups
- From the age of 50, it is recommended, at least once a year, to see one's family doctor to assess the presence of cardiovascular risk factors with investigations including blood pressure control, blood tests (cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar) and electrocardiogram.
- From the age of 60 years, in the presence of risk factors, a checkup to verify the health of the carotids, aorta, arteries and veins of the lower limbs with a specialist angiologic examination is indicated.
- Patients with already diagnosed vascular disease, if considered not yet to be treated surgically, should follow a schedule of checkups at varying intervals that includes specialist visits and instrumental examinations (Echocolor-Doppler, angio-CT or angio-MRI).
- Patients who have already undergone surgery should be followed up over time by checkups, either semiannually or annually, to assess the success of the surgery and monitor for concomitant disease by vascular surgical and angiologic examination.
