Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, refers to conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), yet it is preventable and treatable with proper screening and care.
Vascular ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive imaging method that uses Doppler technology to create images and videos of what is going on inside the veins and arteries. It is a vital tool to screen for cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, and coronary artery disease.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become stiff and narrow due to a buildup of fatty plaque along the arterial walls. This results in restricted blood flow to and from the heart and other organs. Over time, it can lead to a hardening of the arteries, blood clots, and peripheral arterial disease. Atherosclerosis presents few symptoms early on, but these can include chest pain, leg pain, or numbness.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by atherosclerosis and reduced blood flow. It can reduce blood flow to the lower extremities, which can result in claudication, or pain and cramping in the legs. It can also lead to critical limb ischemia, in which non-healing sores may develop. If left untreated it could lead to permanent damage to the limbs or amputation.
Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, affecting the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Atherosclerosis causes these arteries to narrow, thereby reducing blood flow to the heart. Coronary artery disease is a serious condition that can lead to a heart attack.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:
- Diabetes
- Family History
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use
Although these conditions can be serious, they are preventable and treatable with lifestyle changes and medication. Screening with vascular ultrasound is crucial for early detection and treatment of heart disease. Vascular ultrasound uses harmless, high-frequency soundwaves to create images and videos of blood flow throughout the veins and arteries. When performed by trained Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs), vascular ultrasound is an accurate and precise way of determining if there are internal symptoms of cardiovascular disease, such as narrow arteries and reduced blood flow.
For accurate results time after time, choose an established, accredited vascular ultrasound provider such as Mint Medical. Mint Medical has been providing quality vascular ultrasound services and cardiovascular disease screening throughout Northern California for more than two decades. Our staff is dedicated to providing excellent vascular care for patients and reliable service for referring providers.
The RVTs at Mint Medical are highly trained and specialize in vascular ultrasound. They perform more than 30,000 diagnostic and screening exams annually, using state-of-the-art technology to provide consistent, reproducible results. They are committed to providing quality care, and referring partners agree. “With the invaluable help of Mint Medical, over 32,000 of our members [at Kaiser]] have completed screening ultrasounds…these studies have been performed accurately and professionally and seamlessly,” says Dr. Steven Okuhn, a former vascular surgeon at Kaiser Permanente. For more information the exams and services Mint Medical provides, click here.
Guest Contributor: Jordan Galerkin
Sources:
- Atherosclerosis. Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569
- Coronary Artery Disease. Centers for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/coronary_ad.htm
- Heart Disease. Centers for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). UC Davis Health.
https://health.ucdavis.edu/vascular/diseases/pad.html
- Peripheral Artery Disease. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/
- Types of Ultrasound. Ultrasound Quotes. https://www.ultrasoundquotes.com/blog/doppler-vs-duplex/
