What is a Vascular Ultrasound?
A vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow through your blood vessels. It's a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring various vascular conditions. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, which use radiation, vascular ultrasounds are safe for use on people of all ages.
During a vascular ultrasound, a sonographer will apply a gel to your skin and then use a handheld transducer to emit sound waves. These sound waves travel through your body and bounce off your blood vessels and blood cells. The transducer captures the returning echoes, which are then processed by a computer to create images of your blood vessels and blood flow. By analyzing these images, doctors can assess blood flow velocity, identify blockages or narrowing of vessels, and detect blood clots.
Vascular ultrasounds are commonly used to diagnose and monitor a variety of vascular conditions, such as:
Atherosclerosis: A condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow.
Aneurysms: Abnormal bulges in the walls of arteries.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): A condition where the arteries in the legs become narrowed, reducing blood flow.
Varicose veins: Enlarged, twisted veins that often appear as blue or purple bulges under the skin.
