Good health is arguably the most important asset one can have. The reason is that you can do very little productive work while in poor health. It is why regular medical checkups are necessary. Sadly, fear of the unknown stops most people from taking regular health examinations, while others are afraid of the invasive nature of some tests. Unfortunately, the decisions usually lead to delays in identifying treatable and preventable health issues. Luckily, advancements in medical technology have led to the development of non-invasive tests, such as vascular ultrasound.
The test is designed to evaluate blood flow to body organs via the vascular system. This article highlights vital instances when a patient might need a vascular ultrasound.
Suspected Narrowing of Arteries
Your arteries play a critical role in supplying oxygenated blood to various body organs. It ensures that the organs continue to function optimally, keeping you in good health. However, your lifestyle or genetic conditions could lead to narrowing of arteries, reducing the amount of blood the vessels supply critical organs. For instance, the arteries of a serial smoker have a higher chance of narrowing than a non-smoker. Similarly, eating fatty foods could lead to narrow vessels as far deposits settle on arterial walls. In such cases, a vascular ultrasound test is necessary to evaluate the severity of vessel narrowing for immediate action.
After Vascular Procedure
When a blood vessel is blocked, doctors insert a tiny tube to restore optimal blood flow. A tiny tube, referred to as a stent and made from plastic or metal, is used during the process. However, there is no guarantee that a stent will improve blood flow through affected vessels. It is the reason a vascular ultrasound test is critical. By monitoring blood flowing through a stent, vascular ultrasound allows physicians to evaluate a patient closely. Thus, experts can decide to let a patient leave if results indicate proper blood flow. However, if ultrasound results show abnormal flow in a stent, the doctors will keep a patient longer.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Blood clots and leaks in all vessels, arteries and veins, can lead to venous insufficiency. It means that the vessels cannot deliver blood to expected destinations without straining. When it happens and the disorder goes undetected, a patient can suffer from issues such as deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Vascular ultrasound can help detect chronic venous insufficiency in time to prevent complications and other life-threatening conditions.
Share30 April 2021
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