If your primary care physician believes the blood flow in your arms, legs, or neck is compromised; he may recommend a vascular ultrasound.

What is a vascular ultrasound?

A vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive, painless procedure that uses sound waves to evaluate the body’s circulatory system to identify blockages to blood flow, narrowing of blood vessels, tumors and congenital vascular malformations, decreased blood flow to various organs, and increased blood flow to different areas (which could indicate infection).

During the procedure your doctor will place ultrasound gel directly onto your skin. The gel helps the transducer transmit high frequency sound waves into your body. When these sound waves bounce back to the transponder, a computer can use the information to create an image of the inside of your body. At the end of the procedure your doctor will have a series of images to help him evaluate your vein health.

This procedure requires no special preparation, however some doctors may ask you to fast 8-12 hours beforehand.

How can a vascular ultrasound help you?
With a vascular ultrasound, the experienced doctors at Alaska Family Sonograms can see and measure your blood flow to evaluate your risk of serious health issues. Once they have a clear picture of how your blood is (or isn’t) flowing through your body, they can help plan an effective treatment plan, tailored for you.

Vascular ultrasounds help identify risk factors associated with:

• High blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis
• Aneurysm
• Embolism
• Stroke
• Varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis

You may benefit from a vascular ultrasound if you’ve suffered a minor stroke, experience pain in your legs when walking, or have a family history of vein disease. Your doctor can evaluate the results of your ultrasound and determine the best possible treatment.

Our Alaska Family Sonograms’ ultrasound technologists are highly trained professionals and registered diagnostic medical sonographers. If you or someone you know is at risk of vein disease, or has a family history of vein disease, trust the skill and knowledge of our technologists, doctors, and radiologists.

For more information or to schedule a vascular ultrasound, contact us at 907-561-3601.