Throughout the body, blood vessels act as a series of roads – carrying life-sustaining, oxygen-rich blood and nutrients. When your vascular system doesn’t work properly due to partial or complete blockages, it can reduce blood flow and restrict oxygen to your organs and other parts of your body.
Part of our mission at UPMC is to educate people about the risks of heart and vascular disease. If you're at risk, screening is an important tool that can uncover undetected problems early — when there's a good chance for effective treatment.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. A buildup of plaque and cholesterol inside your arteries can reduce blood flow to your organs and other parts of your body.
Most people are familiar with coronary heart disease; however, an arterial blockage can affect any artery in the body, including the brain, arms, legs, and abdomen.
Vascular screenings use ultrasound technology to look for signs of blockages that could cause problems with blood flow, leading to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, non-healing wounds, bleeding, and more.
Vascular ultrasound can find problems with your arteries or veins before they cause symptoms or complications.
Vascular disease screening uses advanced ultrasound technology, including:
A vascular screening test is a painless, noninvasive evaluation using ultrasound technology.
Vascular ultrasound is used to detect three of the most recognized vascular problems:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement that occurs due to a weakening in the wall of the abdominal aorta. An aneurysm can become so large that it can rupture.
During an AAA screening procedure, you will be asked to lie flat on your back on the exam table. A thick gel will be placed on your abdomen.
An ultrasound technologist will obtain images and measurements of your aorta by moving an instrument called a transducer across your abdomen. The largest diameter of the aorta is measured to determine the presence or absence of an AAA.
Your carotid arteries carry blood to your brain. A buildup of plaque within your carotid artery can limit blood flow to your brain. When the buildup becomes severe, it can cause a stroke, in which a lack of oxygen and other essential nutrients damages your brain.
During a screening procedure for carotid artery disease, you will be asked to lie flat on your back on the exam table. A thick gel is placed on your neck.
An ultrasound technologist will obtain images of your carotid artery and measure the velocity of the blood flowing through it by moving an instrument called a transducer across your neck.
The presence or absence of plaque within your artery is noted. The velocity of the blood flowing through your artery is used to calculate the percentage of stenosis (narrowing) within your artery.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) happens when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your limbs and pelvis. In its most severe form, PAD can lead to painful ulcers, infection, and even gangrene.
During a PAD screening procedure, you will be asked to lie flat on your back on the exam table with your socks and shoes off.
A technologist will measure your blood pressure at your ankles and in both arms. The ratio of the ankle to arm pressures is calculated to determine the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which is used to determine the presence or absence of peripheral arterial disease.
Doctors use vascular studies to evaluate the signs and symptoms of several conditions that may cause decreased blood flow in the arteries and/or veins of your neck, abdomen, legs, or arms, including:
You may be eligible for vascular disease screening if you are at high risk of developing a vascular condition. Risk factors include:
Screening for vascular disease uses ultrasound technology, which is non-invasive and painless. There are few risks involved in vascular screening, and complications are rare.
If you are having a carotid Doppler or arterial/venous Doppler of the extremities, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required.
For abdominal Dopplers, you will be required to fast prior to testing. If you smoke, your doctor will ask you to refrain from smoking for at least two hours before the test, as smoking causes blood vessels to constrict.
A vascular ultrasound study may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your hospital stay. Screening for vascular disease usually takes less than 30 minutes.
During your vascular disease screening, you will lie down, and a clear gel will be placed on your skin at certain locations. The ultrasound transducer will be pressed against your skin and moved around. When blood flow is detected, you will hear a "whoosh, whoosh" sound, and the probe will continue to be moved around to compare blood flow in different areas of the artery or vein.
For arterial studies of the legs, blood pressure cuffs will be applied in three positions on your leg (the thigh, calf, and ankle) and inflated to compare the blood pressure between the different areas. The blood pressure will be taken in the arm on the same side as the leg that was just studied and used to determine the degree of any problems with the arterial flow in your legs.
After the procedure has been completed, the gel will be removed.
There is no special care following a vascular study. However, depending on the results, your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure.
You will receive your results soon after the exam. A copy of the results will also be sent to your doctor.
This is a screening exam; you should follow up with your doctor about any abnormal findings. If you have an abnormal finding, you may need a complete diagnostic test to make a definitive diagnosis and determine if treatment is needed. Your doctor will decide whether further testing is necessary.
All vascular screenings at UPMC are performed by registered vascular technologists under the direction of the vascular surgeon. Our vascular labs are accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for Vascular Testing (ICAVL).
Our vascular surgeons have years of experience treating vascular disease. Based on your results, our surgeons will create the best treatment plan for your condition.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
