Your vascular system consists of veins and arteries. These blood vessels carry blood to and from your heart. They provide blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, to organs.
Blockages in the arteries can reduce blood flow. This reduces the amount of oxygen that can reach targeted organs. It can cause lasting damage if not discovered and treated.
UPMC offers a screening exam that can identify vascular disease before symptoms appear. If your exam shows any irregularities, we can manage or treat your health issues before they cause damage.
Vascular Disease Screenings
Advanced ultrasound technology is a painless, noninvasive way to screen for vascular disease.
It can help find cases of:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm – The abdominal aorta is the body’s largest blood vessel and the main artery in the abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is when the abdominal aorta becomes enlarged due to weakness in the wall of the artery. Over time, the artery may continue to grow and potentially rupture.
- Carotid artery disease – The carotid arteries provide blood to the brain and head. When plaque builds up within it, it can limit blood flow to the brain. It can lead to a stroke if a significant blockage is left untreated.
- Peripheral artery disease – The peripheral arteries carry blood to the limbs. If enough plaque builds up in the vessels, it can significantly limit blood flow. This can cause pain in the legs when walking and may lead to sores or infections of the limbs that don’t heal.
Who Is a Candidate for Vascular Disease Screenings?
People at high risk of developing vascular disease may be eligible for screenings. This includes those living with risk factors.
Risk factors for vascular disease include:
- Diabetes.
- Family history of heart or vascular disease.
- High blood pressure or cholesterol.
- Kidney disease.
- Obesity.
- Older age.
- Smoking.
What to Expect
Screening for vascular disease usually takes less than 30 minutes.
You’ll need to fast for at least eight hours before an abdominal ultrasound. You should also avoid smoking for at least two hours before a screening.
Upon arrival, we’ll ask you to remove your shoes and socks and lie flat on your back on the exam table.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
Patients slide their shirts up to expose the abdomen. The technologist smears a thick layer of gel on your belly. They slide a handheld device called a transducer over the skin’s surface.
They look up and down the abdominal aorta and measure where it’s the largest. This measurement determines if you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Carotid artery disease screening
The technologist applies a thick layer of gel to both sides of the neck. They use a transducer to scan the right and left carotid arteries for the presence of plaque.
They will also measure the highest velocity (speed) of blood flow within the artery. This reading tells your doctor if you have carotid artery disease and how bad it is.
Peripheral artery disease screening
The technologist measures the blood pressure in your right and left ankle and right and left arm. They use these values to calculate the ankle-brachial index. This reading helps determine the presence or absence of peripheral artery disease.
After a Vascular Disease Screening
There are no special precautions required after a vascular screening, and you may resume your normal activities. You will receive your results soon after the exam is complete.
You are responsible for sharing these results with your health care provider to determine if you require a complete workup.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .