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: