Preventive care is an important part of patient health and wellness. Preventive care can include regular primary care visits, vaccines, and screening tests. Screening tests are especially important because they can detect certain conditions or diseases that may not present symptoms.
For certain populations, cardiovascular screening is crucial to maintaining health and wellness. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), however it is preventable and treatable.
Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, refers to several conditions that affect the vascular system. These include coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm, among others. Screening for cardiovascular disease is recommended based on risk factors such as:
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Older age
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
Cardiovascular conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and coronary artery disease are characterized by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when the arteries become stiff and narrow due to the buildup of fatty plaque along the arterial walls, and this can restrict blood flow.
Early detection through screening is important for detecting cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, cardiovascular disease can lead to heart attack or stroke. Medication and lifestyle changes can treat cardiovascular disease, especially if detected early on. Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, increasing exercise and eating healthier. Medication can also be prescribed to lower cholesterol and control blood pressure.
Screening with Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasound is the safest and most effective way to screen for cardiovascular disease. Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging method that uses harmless, high-frequency soundwaves to create images and videos of the veins and blood vessels. Vascular ultrasound focuses on the vascular system and shows the speed and direction of blood flow within the veins using Doppler technology.
With no known side effects and a noninvasive procedure, vascular ultrasound is the best choice for screening. An ultrasound machine consists of a console, a video monitor, and a handheld device called a transducer that emits high-frequency soundwaves. Gel is applied to the transducer which is compressed against the skin on the area of focus. This helps determine stiffness of the veins as well as imaging the veins and arteries. After the exam, results are sent to an interpreting physician for diagnosis.
Most vascular ultrasound exams in the United States are performed by Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs), who receive specialized training and certification to conduct vascular ultrasound exams. This specialty is different from other ultrasound sonographers because it focuses on the vascular system and what indicators of vascular disease may be present. RVTs are credentialed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, an organization dedicated to high standards for ultrasound care. RVT credentialing is required for vascular laboratories to receive and maintain accreditation.
At Mint Medical, we are committed to empowering patient wellness through vascular ultrasound screening and diagnosis. Our Registered Vascular Technologists perform more than 30,000 vascular ultrasound exams each year. Exams are performed in accredited partner labs as well as in our vascular lab at Inview Imaging in Oakland, California, where we use state-of-the-art technologies to provide quality patient care. For more information on the exams we provide, visit our Exams Page.
Guest Contributor: Jordan Galerkin
Sources:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350688
- 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 Artery Disease. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/
- Preventive Care. Chronic Disease. Centers for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html
- Types of Ultrasound. Ultrasound Quotes. https://www.ultrasoundquotes.com/blog/doppler-vs-duplex/
