Why Brooklyn's aging population needs more vascular health specialists

When I began my surgical training in the 1990s, vascular surgery looked very different than what it does today. At that time, only a small number of physicians specialized in treating blood vessel diseases, and even fewer practiced in Brooklyn. I chose to complete my education and surgical training here in New York so I could stay rooted in the community I care most about. As the second board-certified vascular surgeon in Brooklyn, remaining local allows me to understand my patients’ needs and make a direct impact on the people and neighborhoods I serve.

Like the rest of the country, Brooklyn’s population is aging, and their needs for housing, transportation, and health care need to adjust with it. As a vascular health specialist, I’m preparing for the surge of patients expected in the coming years as more Brooklynites reach 70+ years of age, a pivotal point for vascular health. Awareness, education, and reliable access to care will be essential to improving outcomes and keeping our community healthier for longer.

Brooklyn’s aging population reveals a national vascular health challenge

Brooklyn’s rich cultural diversity and rapid growth over the past two decades have reshaped its communities and increased demand for health care services. As the borough continues to evolve and its population ages, the need for vascular surgeons is significant and urgent.

Brooklyn is home to the second-largest older adult community in both New York City and New York State. Because age is the leading risk factor for vascular disease, this older population faces higher rates of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and other serious conditions that demand specialized care. In fact, an estimated 1.8 million people in New York alone live with chronic conditions, including diabetes, which also elevates the risk of vascular health issues.

Vascular surgeons are the only specialists trained to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of vascular diseases. They play a critical role in specifically supporting an aging population by helping prevent strokes, improve circulation, and treat complex vascular conditions before they become emergencies.

Building a stronger vascular future

While vascular surgeons are well-equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage vascular conditions, greater community education is essential. By 2030, more than 100 million people in the U.S. will be reaching an age associated with a high risk of vascular diseases, meaning more people than ever before may require care from a specialist, yet a critical gap exists. Caregivers and older adults should be aware of key warning signs, such as:

Leg pain.
Numbness.
Swelling.
Sores that don’t heal.

These symptoms can signal serious vascular issues.

The need for increased awareness of vascular disease extends beyond those at risk. Brooklyn has a meaningful opportunity ahead: We need more vascular surgeons to meet the growing demand for advanced care. For medical students, this gap represents an exciting chance to step into a specialty where your skills can make an immediate, life-changing impact, whether it’s helping diagnose your elderly neighbor experiencing sudden and severe leg pain, treating your childhood friend who has diabetes and a nonhealing foot ulcer, or even being rushed into the emergency room for severe blood clots. The day is never dull, solving a new problem each day. With more specialists, patients gain earlier access to treatment, shorter wait times, and better outcomes. Future vascular surgeons have the chance to shape the health of an entire community.

As vascular care continues to evolve, so does the need for awareness. For a community like Brooklyn, education must be paired with real access to trained vascular specialists, so patients not only understand their risks, but also have the expertise on hand to protect their health and their futures. Strengthening the vascular workforce and deepening patients’ understanding are essential steps toward improving both the quality of care and the number of lives we can save. And with each investment we make today, we move closer to a reimagined Brooklyn, one where every neighborhood has the resources, specialists, and support needed to help its residents live longer, healthier lives.

Anil Hingorani is a vascular surgeon.