How Do You Test for Blood Vessel Problems?
It’s important that blood flows freely and uninterrupted through your veins and arteries. If your doctor suspects that there may be problems with your blood flow, an ultrasound may be recommended.
Most people only know about ultrasounds for pregnant women. However, ultrasound technology is very effective in diagnosing problems with blood vessels as well as many other areas of the body such as the gallbladder, abdomen, kidneys, liver, ovaries, testicles, etc. When referring to blood vessel ultrasounds, this can be called a vascular test.
What to Expect
A blood vessel ultrasound is performed with a hand-held wand (transducer). Your skin is coated with a special gel. As your doctor presses the wand on your skin, millions of high-frequency sound waves move through your body, through tissues and to your blood vessels. The sound waves bounce off the blood cells and show if there are any blockages in the vessels. The wand is moved around the areas of suspicion to provide a full internal view of your vessels. Different areas of your blood vessels can be compared / contrasted using this method.
The process doesn’t hurt and it may seem very simple, but the findings and subsequent treatment protocol (if needed) could improve your quality of life. In some cases, it might actually save your life.
Blood Vessel Ultrasound Results
This type of ultrasound can detect a variety of health issues such as:
- Blood clot in a blood vessel
- Clogged arteries
- Varicose veins
- Aneurysm
- Infections
- Autoimmune disorders
Symptoms of Blood Vessel Problems
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor to schedule an appointment:
- Chest pain (call 9-1-1; this could be a medical emergency)
- Pain, swelling, soreness or warmth in your arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Swelling
- Foot pain or burning
- Legs are cold or change color
- Dizziness
- Painful veins
If you suspect you might have a problem with your blood vessels, contact the team at Westgate Family Physicians. We have the expertise and equipment to perform blood vessel ultrasounds in Spartanburg, SC. Please call (864) 574-0070 or click here to schedule an appointment. Some blood vessel problems can be life-threatening, so don’t ignore your symptoms.