What a Vascular Ultrasound Reveals About Your Health & Veins

Learn About Vascular Ultrasounds

If you have or show signs of cardiovascular disease or another vascular condition, your physician may recommend that you undergo a vascular ultrasound in New Hampshire. Cardiovascular disease is a group of severe, chronic conditions that include heart failure, heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. It is the leading cause of death globally, and can be prevented through lifestyle modification, medication, and medical procedures. Here is your guide to understanding what a vascular ultrasound shows about your veins and health.

What Is a Vascular Ultrasound?

A vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive, diagnostic medical imaging procedure. A registered vascular technologist (RVT) will use a small, handheld device to look inside your body and take images of your veins, arteries, and blood vessels. The device uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the vascular system so that your physician can evaluate its function and blood flow, diagnose diseases or conditions, monitor conditions, or perform a procedure.

What a Vascular Ultrasound Shows About Cardiovascular Conditions

A vascular screening test shows your physician the structure of your blood vessels. It also allows them to assess blood flow and determine if there are any restrictions, such as blood clots, narrowing of the arteries, aneurysms, or problems with heart valves. Your physician can use the imaging test to reveal, evaluate, and diagnose vascular conditions, including:

• Blood clots
• Narrowed or blocked arteries
• Aneurysms
• Atherosclerosis
• Heart valve issues
• Poor blood circulation
• Vessel structure and abnormalities

Who Performs a Vascular Ultrasound Exam?

A vascular ultrasound is performed by a registered vascular technologist (RVT). This medical professional has specialized education and training in operating ultrasound equipment and interpreting images to assess blood flow and the health of blood vessels. The results will be given to your physician, vascular surgeon, or radiologist, who will then interpret them to plan treatment or diagnose or manage a condition.

What Should I Expect After a Vascular Ultrasound?

After a vascular ultrasound for veins, you can resume your normal routine with no downtime. Your physician will be given your results to review. This could take anywhere from a few hours if you are in the hospital, to a day, a week, or longer if it is an outpatient procedure. Unless you are told otherwise, you do not need any special care; however, in some cases, your physician may recommend that you take preventive measures to improve heart health, like making changes to your diet, quitting smoking, or reducing your consumption of alcohol. Once your physician has reviewed your results, you will be called back for a follow-up appointment to review them.

Why Choose Cardiovascular Specialists of New England for Your Vascular Ultrasound

Cardiovascular Specialists of New England offers comprehensive, targeted cardiac care with an emphasis on prevention, education, and pioneering new treatment. We offer a wide range of services, including non-invasive therapies and advanced interventions. Our group includes highly-trained, extremely experienced, board-certified cardiologists and specialists committed to personalized patient care.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

We use the most advanced technology and techniques to give each patient the highest level of care available. We also ensure we explain all procedures and results in simple terms and are available for questions so that you get the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. Call to make an appointment for a vascular ultrasound in New Hampshire, or reach out to us online with questions.