Diagnosing Vascular Disease
If you have symptoms of vascular disease, it’s important to make
an appointment with a cardiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and
treatment of vascular disorders.
At Hoag, our multidisciplinary team of cardiac experts specializes in
vascular disease management with the latest technologies available to accurately diagnose
and treat all types of cardiovascular disease.
Learn more about the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute’s
top rated vascular disease program:
State-of-the-Art Ultrasound Imaging
The most common type of diagnostic test used to confirm vascular disease
is ultrasound. The following are the most common ultrasound-based tests
available at Hoag Vascular Lab for diagnosing vascular disease:
Arterial Duplex: Ultrasound is used to evaluate the arteries that supply the arms and legs.
Arterial Physiologic Exam: Blood pressure cuffs are used with ultrasound to evaluate the arteries
that supply the arms and legs. Blood pressure cuffs provide readings to
locate areas of arterial blockage.
Abdominal Vascular Duplex: Ultrasound is used to evaluate the blood vessels that supply the abdominal
organs. Fasting is required for this exam, i.e. Aorta/Iliac/Mesenteric
Arteries, Renal Arteries and IVC/Iliac Veins.
Carotid Duplex (CUS): Ultrasound is used to evaluate the carotid arteries located in the neck
that feed the brain.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD): Ultrasound is used to evaluate the blood vessels within the skull that
supply the brain.
Venous Duplex: Ultrasound is used to evaluate the veins that carry blood to the heart
from the arms and legs, i.e. Venous exam for thrombosis, Venous Mapping
for dialysis graft, Venous Reflux and Venous Insufficiency.
Additional Advanced Imaging Studies
In addition to ultrasound, many other state-of-the-art imaging modalities
may be utilized by Hoag physicians to confirm vascular disease, including:
Angiogram: A minimally-invasive imaging study in which a thin tube (catheter) is inserted
into a blood vessel and a contrast dye is injected to make the blood vessels
visible on X-ray.
Echocardiogram: This test uses high frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, to create
detailed images of your heart's size, structure and motion to determine
if there is heart muscle or valve disease that may be causing an arrhythmia.
There are several types of echocardiography that may be utilized to confirm
arrhythmia and determine the best course of treatment.
CT Scans: Computed tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, uses X-rays and computers
to produce images of a cross-section of the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A large magnet, radio waves, and a computer are used to produce clear
pictures of the body. This procedure does not involve the use of X-rays.
Learn more about the Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute's
top rated vascular disease program: