The vascular system is vital in transporting blood and oxygen to various body parts. The arteries carry blood to the rest of the body while the vein returns blood to your heart. However, when these blood vessels are impacted, they can lead to severe cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. Fortunately, the availability of vascular ultrasound Tomball has facilitated the evaluation of these conditions enabling specialists to address them completely. Your doctor can suggest a different form of vascular ultrasound based on your problem. Below are common types of vascular ultrasound your doctor can recommend.
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Aortic Ultrasound
The aorta is the largest artery in your body and is responsible for carrying blood from the heart and lungs to the tissues. Your physician will utilize this ultrasound to evaluate for any weaknesses in the artery which may cause an aneurysm or rupture of your arteries. If the rupture or aneurysm is not detected early, it can be life-threatening. The procedure has no downtime because it takes about 30 minutes to complete. It can address various conditions, including abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Mesenteric Arterial Duplex Tests
This scan is responsible for evaluating your arteries that lead to the stomach, liver, intestines, spleen, and those around the intestines and kidney. The test focuses on the narrowing or blood flow obstruction, which can lead to abdominal pain, ischemic bowel, or insufficient blood flow to the intestines. It involves a combination of Doppler ultrasound that generates high-frequency sound waves for determining the speed and direction of blood flow. The b (brightness) mode ultrasound develops two-dimensional images consisting of a series of dots where each dot’s brightness corresponds to the plenty of the rebounded sound wave.
Carotid Ultrasound
Carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck. Carotid ultrasound is responsible for measuring the rate of the blood flow in your carotid arteries that provides communication of a potential blockage. In most cases, clogging occurs due to plaque, cell debris, and a tacky mix of fats and calcium that causes the hardening of arteries or atherosclerosis.
Lower Extremity Arterial Doppler Exam
If you have diminished blood flow in the arteries or veins of your neck, legs, or arms, your physician may recommend a Doppler ultrasound examination. The diminished flow may occur because of an arterial injury or a blood clot inside your blood vessel. The ultrasound measures your blood pressure level in the lower extremity veins and arteries, which measures how blood flows without restrictions. The exam is also essential in helping diagnose peripheral artery diseases because of atherosclerosis.
Renal Artery Ultrasound
This ultrasound evaluates the arteries responsible for supplying blood to the kidneys. Your physicians utilize it to assess blockage or narrowing of the renal arteries that can lead to renal dysfunction or hypertension. Also, your doctor can use it to evaluate present renal artery disease or as a follow-up after surgery.
Arteries and veins are crucial organs in your body, playing a significant role in the blood flow to different body parts. If they experience blockage or narrowing, they can cause blood clotting, which can be dangerous to your well-being, increasing the likelihood of heart disease. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor regularly for a vascular ultrasound to evaluate how your arteries are working and if they are at risk of complications.
