What You Should Know About Your Ultrasound Examination
Carotid Artery Screening with Intima Media Thickness (IMT)
What Does This Ultrasound Examination Look At?
Ultrasound is used to evaluate the carotid arteries located in the neck that feed the brain with blood. This exam is used to check the overall health of your arteries.
Why Should I Have an Ultrasound Exam?
Ultrasound can be used for patients at high risk for heart disease or stroke to evaluate any plaque or stenosis (narrowing) that may be present. Blood flow and the thickness of the arterial wall (IMT) are both measured to evaluate your arteries and determine if there are blockages that can lead to future problems. A vascular age is then determined. Example: “You are a 55 year old male with the arteries of a 75 year old male.”
Who Should Have a Carotid Artery Screening?
Carotid Artery Screening should be performed on patients over 45 years old with any of the following conditions: High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Family History of Heart Disease or Stroke, Diabetes, or a History of Smoking.
Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
What Does This Examination Look At?
Measuring the blood pressure in the arm and comparing it to the blood pressure in the leg allows your physician to determine if there are significant blockages in the arteries in your legs. Blood flow waveforms are then taken to confirm the results.
Why Should I Have an ABI Exam?
Ankle Brachial Index is a noninvasive way to diagnose Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD is often undiagnosed by healthcare professionals. If left untreated, PAD can lead to loss of a leg, foot, or toes. Ankle Brachial Index is recommended every 12 months for patients with diabetes and patients with high blood pressure. Individuals with a history of smoking also are at risk.
Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
AAA Facts
- Half of all persons with untreated AAA die of rupture within three years.
- AAA is the 13th leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Males are three times more likely to have AAA compared with females.
- Men over 60 are highest risk for AAA.
- Three percent of men over 60 develop AAA.
- Rupture of an AAA is associated with 70%-95% mortality.
- Individuals with AAA often have no symptoms.
- AAA is more commonly seen in Caucasians then any other racial group.
What Does This Ultrasound Examination Look At?
Ultrasound is used to evaluate the aorta and determine if any stenosis (narrowing) or aneurysms (ballooning out of the arterial wall) are present.
Why Should I Have an Ultrasound Exam?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms can be fatal if they are left untreated and rupture. This ultrasound screening examination can determine if an AAA is present. If treated, AAA’s rarely rupture.
Who Should Have an AAA Screening?
Clinical Practice Guideline: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by ultrasonography in men age 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked.