What is a vascular ultrasound?
Vascular ultrasounds are noninvasive imaging tests that use high-frequency sound waves to create images, also known as sonograms, of your arteries and veins. Also called vascular sonography, it reveals the movement and structure of your internal organs and how blood flows within your vessels.
Your vascular system is made up of an intricate system of blood vessels that bring blood to and from vital organs, including your heart and brain. Vascular ultrasounds can help you and your physician identify vascular diseases that increase your risk for heart attacks, strokes and other serious conditions, allowing you to be proactive about your health.
When is a vascular ultrasound performed?
Your provider may recommend vascular ultrasound if you have symptoms of the following conditions:
- Atherosclerosis, when the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of plaque
- Blood clots
- Carotid artery disease
- Carotid artery stenosis, the narrowing of one or both carotid arteries
- Deep vein thrombosis or leg swelling
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
- Varicose veins
You may also need ultrasound imaging if your doctor wants to:
- Assess whether a treatment or procedure is treating your condition effectively
- Help determine whether you may benefit from a treatment such as angioplasty
- Monitor blood flow to organs and tissues
Types of vascular ultrasound
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following vascular ultrasounds:
Aortic ultrasound
Carotid ultrasound
Venous ultrasound
Ankle brachial index (ABI)
What to expect with vascular ultrasound
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Before a vascular ultrasound
Before a vascular ultrasound
Vascular ultrasounds don’t require much special preparation. You may receive instructions specific to your test, but in general, you may need to:
- Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before your test.
- Take any medications as prescribed.
- Wear a two-piece outfit (no dresses, jumpsuits or overalls).
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During a vascular ultrasound
During a vascular ultrasound
Before your exam begins, a sonographer will place gel on the area being examined. Then, they’ll use a device called a transducer that sends sound waves through your skin. These sound waves return to the transducer, and a computer translates them into images that give your provider a clear view of issues in your aorta, carotid arteries and veins.
Aorta and venous ultrasounds take about one hour. A carotid ultrasound takes about 30 minutes.
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After a vascular ultrasound
After a vascular ultrasound
After the exam, the technologist will wipe away any residual gel. You can return to work or other activities immediately after the ultrasound.
Before a vascular ultrasound
Vascular ultrasounds don’t require much special preparation. You may receive instructions specific to your test, but in general, you may need to:
- Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before your test.
- Take any medications as prescribed.
- Wear a two-piece outfit (no dresses, jumpsuits or overalls).
During a vascular ultrasound
Before your exam begins, a sonographer will place gel on the area being examined. Then, they’ll use a device called a transducer that sends sound waves through your skin. These sound waves return to the transducer, and a computer translates them into images that give your provider a clear view of issues in your aorta, carotid arteries and veins.
Aorta and venous ultrasounds take about one hour. A carotid ultrasound takes about 30 minutes.
After a vascular ultrasound
After the exam, the technologist will wipe away any residual gel. You can return to work or other activities immediately after the ultrasound.The results
After your ultrasound, your sonographer will send your images to your referring physician, who will review your results and compare them with any previous tests you’ve had.
Based on the results, your doctor may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis. If the ultrasound leads to a diagnosis or reveals a problem, you and your physician can work together on a treatment plan.
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