Division of Vascular Surgery
Our Services
Vascular Screening Program
Vascular diseases may have no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms appear, the disease has already progressed to some degree. An ultrasound exam is a fast, painless way to image the blood vessels and can give your doctor information about the state of your blood vessels and whether you are at risk for complications of vascular disease.
In the case of an aneurysm, part of a blood vessel’s wall weakens and balloons outward silently. The aneurysm usually has no symptoms unless it ruptures, creating an emergency that could end in death. The most common location of an aneurysm is in the aorta, the main artery in the chest and abdomen. The people most commonly affected by aneurysm disease are those over 50 years old, men, people who have smoked and people with high blood pressure. We also know that aneurysm disease can run in families, so if you have had a parent or sibling with aneurysm disease you may be at higher risk.
Clogging of the carotid artery in the neck is a common vascular problem that may or may not have early symptoms. Stroke or “mini-stroke” symptoms, such as temporary blindness in one eye or numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, may occur. When not treated, carotid artery disease increases the risk for a stroke that may also be the first symptom of the clogged artery. Older people, those who have smoked, those with high cholesterol or a family history of stroke may be at higher risk of significant carotid artery blockage.
Another common vascular disorder is hardening of the arteries of the legs. Peripheral Arterial Disease, or “PAD,” diminishes blood flow to the legs. The first symptom is pain in the calves while walking, but eventually ulcers and infection can develop if the disease is severe. Left untreated, PAD may result in gangrene and amputation. Diabetics, smokers, and patients on dialysis are at a higher risk of PAD.
When we can find vascular disease early, the chances for successful treatment greatly improve. Fortunately, we have noninvasive imaging technologies that can find many blood vessel problems at early stages. Early detection often allows treatment by non-surgical or minimally-invasive techniques with lower risks and faster recovery times than those of conventional surgery.
The current dilemma is that most insurance plans do not cover these tests for health screening. In response, UPP Vascular Surgery now offers a vascular screening for $75.
People with one or more of the following risk factors should consider vascular screening:
- Age over 60, especially men
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
- Personal history of heavy smoking
- Family history of aneurysms
Three painless scans will check for abdominal aortic aneurysm, blocked carotid arteries, and blocked leg arteries. The tests are performed by registered vascular technologists with state-of-the-art equipment. Results will be sent to your doctor. To schedule a vascular screening, please call 412-802-3333.