Vascular Screening

Certified ultrasonographers with specialized training in vascular studies perform the screenings.  A board-certified radiologist reviews all studies and provides results to the individual to share with his or her primary care physician.

Cost

The cost is $45 per study or you may receive all three exams at a discounted price of $116.  Cash, debit, or credit card payments are accepted.  Sorry, no personal checks please.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the “hardening of the arteries” that occurs when fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances build up in the walls of the arteries and forms a substance called plaque.  Atherosclerosis is at the root of vascular and heart disease.

Plaque deposits can make the artery less flexible causing the heart to work harder to push the blood through the arteries.  Blood clots can form around plaque deposits causing further restriction of the blood flow.  Also, these blood clots and/or pieces of plaque can break loose, causing them to move through the arteries.  The restriction of blood flow, pieces of plaque, or blood clots moving through the arteries can cause a stroke, heart attack, insufficient blood supply to limbs (peripheral arterial disease), damage to organs, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

According to the American Vascular Association, vascular disease outside the heart causes almost as much death and disability as heart disease, and more than cancer.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that progressively worsens over time. It develops slowly over time. Symptoms are not usually visible until the blood flow becomes significantly slowed or blocked.  It is not typically diagnosed until after the disease has significantly progressed.  With early detection, most cases of vascular disease and atherosclerosis can be treated very effectively.

A drawing illustrating the buildup of plaque within the wall of the vessel. The cause is damage to the vascular wall by free radicals.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease occurs as the arteries in the legs narrow and harden (atherosclerosis).  This disease is most commonly caused by plaque build-up, which can restrict blood flow causing pain when walking.  If left untreated, PAD can cause gangrene and amputation.  People with PAD are likely to have blocked arteries in other areas of the body, making them 4-6 times more likely to die form Stroke or Heart Attack.

PAD affects 10-12 million Americans and is detected with screening through the use of the Ankle-Brachial Index.

The Ultrasound Zone provides preventative Peripheral Artery Disease Screening.
Call (618) 288-3315 or toll free 866-773-6018 for your appointment today!

Preparation for your Peripheral Artery Disease & Arterial Stiffness Screening:

• Please wear a short sleeve shirt and do not wear pantyhose.
• We will be using blood pressure cuffs on both your arms and legs.

Stroke/Carotid Artery Disease

Stroke is a devastation disease that takes the life of 160,000 Americans annually and leaves many more with long-term mental and physical disabilities.  Strokes occur in a variety of ways; however 87% of all strokes occur due to clots that block arteries in the brain.  Carotid Artery Disease is the leading cause of these clots.

The Carotid Arteries are the large blood vessels on either side of the neck that supply blood to the head and brain.  Carotid Artery Disease develops as plaque accumulates over time within these arteries.  Plaque build-up (atherosclerosis) can occur without symptoms until it breaks loose and is carried to smaller arteries in the brain causing a stroke.  Half of all stroke victims had no symptoms to indicate they were at risk.  If identified early, up to 80% of strokes can be prevented.

Studies have shown that those with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the carotid arteries are not only at higher risk for stroke, but also a higher risk of coronary heart disease.

The Ultrasound Zone provides preventive Stroke / Carotid Artery Disease screening.
Call (618) 288- 3315 or toll free 866-773-6018 for your appointment today!

Preparation needed for your Stroke/ Carotid Artery Disease Screening:

• Wear a shirt with a loose collar.  No turtlenecks please.
• We will be examining your Carotid Arteries that are located on each side of your neck.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body that carries oxygen-rich blood form the heart to the rest of the body limbs.  A healthy aorta is about the diameter of a garden hose, with walls that are strong and flexible allowing it to maintain its shape when under the pressures of the blood flow.

An aneurysm occurs when the artic wall weakens causing it to balloon. The weaken aorta bulges outward becoming large, thin and fragile.  A large majority of aneurysms develop in the belly area (abdominal aorta).  High blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), genetic conditions, and normal wear and tear from aging can result in a weakened aortic wall.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms are often symptomless, making them difficult to detect through routine examination.  Undetected and untreated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms can have lethal consequences.

The Ultrasound Zone provides preventative Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms screening.
Call (618) 288-3315 or toll free 866-773-6018 for your appointment today!

Preparation for your Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening:

• Wear a loose fitting two-piece clothing item.  You will be asked to lie on a table and raise your shirt so that we can examine your abdominal area.
• Please fast for 4 hours prior to your screening.  Coffee, tea, and water are acceptable in moderation.
• Refrain from eating a heavy and greasy meal prior to fasting
• Continue to take all medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• If you are diabetic and cannot fast for 4 hours, please limit yourself to a light “diabetic meal” such as a piece of toast and a glass of juice.  However, do not push your limits.  If you have any questions please follow the care plan as prescribed by your doctor.