Vascular Ultrasounds
Expert Cardiocare’s sonographers in Chevy Chase, MD, perform vascular ultrasound testing to detect possible problems with the patient’s blood vessels. We provide carotid ultrasounds, abdominal aortic ultrasounds, peripheral arterial ultrasounds, ankle-brachial index in our Chevy Chase, MD lab.
This test allows us to look for blockages in the carotid arteries which are the main vessels feeding your brain.
This test allows us to look at your abdominal aorta and assess for any aneurysms, narrowing, or significant cholesterol plaque.
This test allows us to assess blood flow in the arteries of the legs and arms.
This is a test that measures and compares the blood pressures in the leg and arm to assess for the presence of peripheral arterial disease.
This test is done to assess for venous clots, such as deep venous thromboses (aka DVTs).
You don’t need to bring anything special with you to the office for vascular ultrasound tests.
Vascular ultrasounds are non-invasive tests performed by a cardiac sonographer that allow your cardiologist to assess the structure of your arteries and veins as well as the presenense of atheroscloertic plaque or blood clots in your blood vessels. These tests are also commonly called vascular dopplers.
Like all ultrasounds, a vascular ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to look at your blood vessels and assess their blood flow. This test is non-invasive. There are no needles, IVs or dyes used.
You can wear anything you would like. Depending on what ultrasound you are having, you may need to remove some clothing but you will be provided with a gown to wear.
No.
Yes. Take all your medications as prescribed.
Depending on which type of vascular ultrasound you are having, the test can take between 15 minutes and 1 hour.
Your insurance should cover all or some of the cost of your ultrasound. Please call your insurance company to discuss your specific coverage. If you have further questions please call the office and ask to speak to the billing department.
After your test, your cardiologist will discuss the results with you. Depending on the result, you may need further testing, changes to your medications, or routine follow up.