Vascular Ultrasound

What is vascular ultrasound?

Vascular ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that locates blockages in your blood vessels. A transducer connected to the ultrasound machine sends high-frequency sound waves into your body. The sound echoes back off the tissues and returns to the transducer, which relays the information to the ultrasound’s computer software.

The software translates these sound waves into images that you can see on a monitor. The pictures show blood moving through your blood vessels, providing your cardiologist with valuable information about the way blood is flowing in specific areas.

Why might I need a vascular ultrasound?

Your Nader Cardiology provider might recommend a vascular ultrasound if you’re showing symptoms of a circulatory disorder. Vascular ultrasounds can help your cardiologist diagnose conditions such as:

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Aneurysms
• Vascular stenosis (narrowed blood vessels)
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Vascular ultrasound also provides clues that help diagnose unexplained symptoms.

Another reason for having a vascular ultrasound is to determine if you need an interventional cardiology procedure like balloon angioplasty and stenting, or bypass surgery. Vascular ultrasound can help your cardiologist develop a treatment plan for you.

What does having a vascular ultrasound involve?

Typically the only preparation you need for a vascular ultrasound is to arrive at Nader Cardiology in comfortable, loose clothing. You lie on an exam table while the vascular ultrasound technician applies a special slippery gel to the hand-held transducer. 

The technician puts the transducer on your skin and carefully slides it around. The gel helps the transducer move without any friction and improves the signals, ensuring the resulting pictures are clear.

You might need to change your position at times so the technician can get the clearest views of your blood vessels. Vascular ultrasound isn’t invasive and causes minimal discomfort.

What happens after my vascular ultrasound?

After your vascular ultrasound, you can carry on with your usual activities unless the scan detects an urgent problem like a DVT.

Your cardiologist at Nader Cardiology uses the vascular ultrasound images to identify structural abnormalities, blood clots, and other vascular health issues. They discuss the findings with you and advise on any further tests or treatments you require.

To find out more about vascular ultrasound and why you might need one, call Nader Cardiology today or book an appointment online.