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Identifying and Addressing Vascular Problems

Dr. Sharma, a heart specialist in Winter Park, FL, utilizes tests like this to identify and address vascular problems so that he can help his patients work toward achieving and maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. If you suspect your heart health is at risk, don’t delay the pursuit of further diagnostic testing. Heartwell Cardiology offers vascular ultrasounds to Orlando area patients.

What is a Vascular Ultrasound?

A vascular ultrasound is a study conducted to measure the efficiency and amount of blood flowing through the arteries and veins. The test applies advanced and sophisticated sound wave technology. Sound waves are produced by an ultrasound wand that’s pressed against your skin and these waves move through your skin, tissues, and blood vessels which they echo off of to produce feedback. This feedback is reported to a computer and translates as imaging. There are various types of ultrasound technologies, and which is used for your vascular ultrasound depends on what Dr. Sharma is looking for.

What is a Vascular Ultrasound Used to Examine?

A vascular ultrasound in Orlando helps a cardiologist check for signs and symptoms that indicate reduced blood flow in the arterial systems. This aids in the detection of conditions that cause decreased, inefficient blood flow. This includes conditions such as the following:

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Aneurysm
  • Thrombus
  • Embolus
  • An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation
  • Infection that causes inflammation
  • Varicose veins

Who Needs a Vascular Ultrasound?

Dr. Sharma may order a vascular ultrasound for patients who report any of the following:

  • Leg pain or weakness during exercise
  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Tenderness
  • Redness or warmth in the leg
  • Pale, cold skin
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Foot pain while seated or reclined that resolves with standing
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What to Expect from a Vascular Ultrasound

During a vascular ultrasound at Heartwell Cardiology, you can expect an experience that is, above all else, relaxed and efficient. The process generally goes as follows:

  • You’ll lie down on one of our comfortable exam tables.
  • The ultrasound wand will be pressed against your gel-coated skin and run across the locations above whichever arteries and veins need studying.
  • Dr. Sharma will apply a clear gel to your skin.
  • Dr. Sharma will continue to move the wand around to get a comprehensive comparison of blood flow in your arteries and veins.

We do want to note that, for vascular ultrasounds of the legs, a blood pressure cuff (or several cuffs) will be placed and used to determine how much blood flow is being blocked in your legs.

Vascular Ultrasound FAQs

Is A Vascular Ultrasound Invasive?

How Long Is The Recovery?

How Long Does A Vascular Ultrasound Take?

Are There Any Required Preparations?

Is There Exposure To Radiation?

Is A Vascular Ultrasound Invasive?

No, a vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive and painless procedure. It utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create images of your blood vessels, eliminating the need for needles, incisions, or exposure to radiation. This makes it a safe diagnostic tool suitable for patients of all ages, including pregnant women.

How Long Is The Recovery?

There is no recovery time needed after a vascular ultrasound. Patients can typically resume their normal activities and diet immediately following the procedure. It’s a convenient option for those with busy schedules, as it doesn’t require any downtime.

How Long Does A Vascular Ultrasound Take?

The duration of a vascular ultrasound can vary depending on the specific area being examined and the complexity of the case. Generally, the procedure takes between 30 minutes to an hour. More comprehensive evaluations may take slightly longer to ensure accurate results.

Are There Any Required Preparations?

Preparation for a vascular ultrasound depends on the type of examination: • For leg or arm evaluations: No special preparation is needed. • For abdominal vascular evaluations: Patients are typically advised to fast for 6 to 8 hours before the exam to reduce gas in the intestines, which can interfere with imaging. However, diabetic patients should follow their usual meal and medication schedule. It’s important to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure optimal imaging results.

Is There Exposure To Radiation?

No, vascular ultrasounds do not involve exposure to ionizing radiation. Instead, they use harmless sound waves to produce images of your blood vessels. This makes the procedure a safe alternative to other imaging methods that involve radiation, such as X-rays or CT scans.

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Get the Diagnostic Details

Visit Heartwell Cardiology in Orlando to see how we’re transforming the patient experience as they undergo diagnostic testing. The last thing we want for any of our heart patients is for them to be burdened by worry. Shed the weight of worry by letting us take care of the diagnostic details. Dr. Sharma, a cardiologist in Orlando and Winterpark, FL, delivers thorough, compassionate care from our Orlando area location, where we conduct diagnostic examinations in the office. Our practice is an inviting environment where patients can count on getting answers to all their health questions. Call us today or click here to schedule your vascular ultrasound in Orland or Winter Park. 

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