Vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that creates images of your body’s blood vessels using high-frequency sound waves. Brooksville vascular ultrasound is a safe tool used to detect various conditions affecting the blood vessels. Here is what you need to know about vascular ultrasounds.
How does vascular ultrasound work?
Vascular ultrasound works by using high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the blood vessels in the body. During the procedure, a trained technician applies a gel to the skin over the examined area. This gel helps conduct the sound waves and improves image quality.
The images produced by the vascular ultrasound can show the size and shape of the blood vessels, as well as any blockages, clots, or other abnormalities. Doctors can use these images to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the blood vessels. It is typically painless and can be performed quickly, allowing patients to return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
By creating detailed images of the blood vessels, doctors can detect and diagnose a variety of conditions, including:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): When plaque accumulates in the arteries that carry blood to your limbs, it can cause PAD, a common circulatory condition. The presence of plaque in these arteries can be found using vascular ultrasound, which can quantify the degree of blockage.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of your body, usually in the legs. Vascular ultrasound can detect the presence of a clot and determine its size and location.
- Aneurysms: An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that various factors can cause, including high blood pressure, smoking, and atherosclerosis. Vascular ultrasound can detect the presence of an aneurysm and determine its size and location.
- Carotid artery disease: The carotid arteries are located in your neck and supply blood to your brain. When these arteries become blocked or narrowed, it can increase the risk of stroke. Vascular ultrasound can detect the presence of plaque buildup in the carotid arteries and determine the severity of the blockage.
- Varicose veins: Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins visible just under the skin’s surface. Vascular ultrasound can determine the cause of varicose veins and identify any underlying venous insufficiency.
Vascular ultrasound preparation
There are a few things that you should keep in mind before your appointment to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and that you get accurate results.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing: You may be asked to change into a gown for the procedure, so it is a good idea to wear clothing that is easy to remove and comfortable.
- Avoid eating and drinking for several hours before the procedure: Depending on the area being examined, your doctor may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. This is typically only necessary if the area being examined is the abdomen or pelvis.
- Take any prescribed medications as usual: Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should continue taking any medications you have been prescribed.
If you are experiencing any symptoms related to the conditions listed above, it may be worth discussing the possibility of vascular ultrasound with your doctor at Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates.
