Evaluation of the Circulatory System
A Vascular Study may be performed to evaluate the circulatory system, specifically the arteries and veins outside of the heart. These tests help detect conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, and varicose veins.
Vascular studies typically use ultrasound technology, which is non-invasive and does not involve radiation. During the procedure, a technician or physician applies a gel to the skin and uses a handheld device (transducer) to send and receive sound waves.
The sound waves create images of the blood vessels, assessing blood flow and the condition of blood vessels in various parts of the body, such as the neck (carotid arteries), arms, legs (peripheral arteries), and abdomen.
Types of Vascular Studies
- Doppler Ultrasound
This technique uses sound waves to measure the speed and direction of blood flow. It can detect blockages or narrowing in arteries and veins. There is no radiation used and generally no discomfort from the application of the ultrasound transducer to the skin. - Duplex Ultrasound
This combines Doppler ultrasound with traditional ultrasound imaging to visualize the structure of blood vessels and assess blood flow simultaneously. - Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
This test compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm to check for PAD. - Pulse Volume Recording (PVR)
This test measures changes in blood volume in the limbs to assess blood flow
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with a vascular study. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Smoking for at least an hour before the test, as smoking causes blood vessels to constrict
- Severe obesity
- Cardiac dysrhythmias/arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)