Carotid Ultrasound
Carotid ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that uses sound waves in order to examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries. Two carotid arteries are located on each side of the neck. Carotid arteries deliver blood from the heart to the brain.
Carotid ultrasound usually tests for blocked or narrowed arteries, which may increase the risks of stroke. The results will help the doctor to determine a treatment to lower the stroke risk.
Why it’s done?
Carotid arteries are commonly narrowed by a buildup of plaque- made of fat, calcium, cholesterol and other substances that circulate in the bloodstream. Early diagnosis of a narrowed carotid artery can decrease the risks of stroke.
A doctor often recommends carotid ultrasound if a person has transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or certain types of strokes. It may also be recommended if the person has medical conditions that increase the risks of stroke, including:
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Family history of stroke
- Abnormal sound in carotid arteries
- Recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke
- Coronary Artery Disease
Other uses of carotid ultrasound
A doctor may order a carotid ultrasound for:
- Evaluating blood flow through the artery after surgery to remove plaques
- Evaluating the placement and effectiveness of a stent, a mesh tube used to improve the blood flow through artery
- Locating a collection of clotted blood that may prevent the blood flow
- Detecting other carotid artery abnormalities that may disrupt the blood flow
Venous Doppler
A venous Doppler is a specialized ultrasound procedure done to evaluate the veins in the foot in order to determine the cause of varicose vein and other vascular conditions, as well as plan out the treatment of affected veins and identify blood clots, vessel narrowing, tumors and other abnormalities within the veins. The technology allows the movement of blood through the veins to be viewed as well.
Arterial Doppler
An arterial Doppler is usually performed to evaluate blood flow in the patients at risk for peripheral artery disease, which involves the narrowing of arteries in the legs or feet as a result of plaque build-up. Since patients may not notice many symptoms, pain in the leg when exercising is often a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Doppler technology uses sound waves to spot blood flow and identify any differences in blood pressure within different areas of the legs and arms.
Doppler Ultrasound
A Doppler ultrasound is a test in which high frequency waves are used to measure the amount of blood flow through the veins and arteries, generally those that supply blood to the arms and legs.
Vascular flow studies can detect abnormal flow within an artery or blood vessel. This helps diagnose and treat a number of conditions, such as blood clots and poor circulation. A Doppler ultrasound can be seen as a part of blood flow study.
A Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive, risk-free and pain-free procedure that needs little preparation. The test provides a doctor important information about the flow of blood through the major arteries and veins. It can reveal blocked or reduced blood flow through narrowed areas of the arteries, which may eventually lead to a stroke.
Why it’s done?
A doctor suggests a Doppler ultrasound exam if a person shows signs of decreased blood flow in the arteries or veins of the legs, arms, or neck. A reduced amount of blood flow may result from a blockage in the artery, blood clot inside a blood vessel, or an injury to a blood vessel.
A Doppler ultrasound exam may be advised if you show signs of:
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis: An inflammation of the veins resulting from a blood clot in a vein below the skin’s surface.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: It’s a condition occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside the body.
- Arteriosclerosis: Narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the feet and legs.
- Thromboangiitis Obliterans: It’s a rare disorder in which the blood vessels of the feet and hands become swollen and inflamed.
- Vascular tumors in the arms or legs.
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