Hello, my name is Cindy. I live in the suburbs of Sydney with my family. Although I would occasionally visit the doctor when I was feeling too good or if one of the children had a cold. However, my whole view on doctors changed when I found a lump on breast last year. I went to my GP in a panic, but he was a real sweetie. He calmed me down and explained he would refer me for a further investigation. Thankfully, they caught my cancer early and after some treatment, I made a full recovery. Since this close call, I have taken a keen interest in everything health related.
If you've heard about vascular ultrasound, you may have some questions about what it is and what it can do. This article will answer some of the most common questions people ask about this procedure. Keep reading to find out more!
1. What is a vascular ultrasound, and what does it examine?
Vascular ultrasound is an imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create cross-sectional images of the body's blood vessels. The word "vascular" means related to the blood vessels, so this test allows your doctor or other health care professional to assess arterial walls for blockages or to narrow spaces, which can sometimes lead to severe conditions like stroke or heart disease. In addition, viewing blood vessels allows a doctor to diagnose any health concerns accurately.
2. What are the benefits of having a vascular ultrasound done?
One benefit of vascular ultrasound is detecting plaque in your arteries without using x-ray radiation. This makes it much safer than other tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, which use ionizing radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body. In addition, vascular ultrasound is so safe that it can be used on pregnant women and young children who need to limit their level of radiation exposure.
3. How should you prepare for your vascular ultrasound appointment?
Your health care provider will provide instructions about preparing for your visit depending on what part of the body you are having imaged. Generally speaking, you will need to refrain from using lotions or creams at the site where your exam will be performed because these products may interfere with the sound waves. Because this test does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation, wearing jewellery at the site is usually fine unless it has components that could potentially distort the sound waves.
4. Who interprets the results of your vascular ultrasound exam?
Your vascular ultrasound images will be interpreted by a specially trained technologist or technician in a facility where this procedure is performed. These individuals typically work under the supervision of a cardiovascular specialist who will make final decisions when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
If you have any other questions about vascular ultrasounds, you should contact your doctor or local medical centre. A medical professional will be happy to offer you further advice and assistance relating to vascular ultrasounds and related medical conditions and treatments.
Share31 January 2022
