Angiology/Vascular Medicine is an emerging specialized medical practice rapidly growing in many European Countries. It encompasses pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation of arterial, venous and microvascular diseases.
Vascular diseases are the largest cause of mortality in Europe, while knowledge on pathophysiology, biology, diagnostic procedures and therapies has grown enormously in this field over the last decade.
There are more than 100 Units/Departments of Vascular Medicine/Angiology (A/VM) spread across nearly all European Countries.
In spite of this, it is still not widely recognised, and only a few countries have specific strategies for the rational development of A/VM Units, in line with patients’ and the population needs.
Angiology/Vascular Medicine is available as a specialty only in Switzerland, Austria and Germany, although partial recognition has been achieved in other countries (in France there is a National Diploma), and difficult negotiations are under way in others (Italy).
Last Update: 25/02/2009
