Early detection and treatment are key in keeping blood clots from turning into full-blown vascular emergencies. If you’re concerned you need a vascular ultrasound, here are 6 warning signs to be on the lookout for. Don’t ignore these early warning signs before it’s too late.
Healthcare providers use vascular ultrasounds to determine how the blood flows through your veins and arteries. Performing a vascular ultrasound is an invaluable tool in diagnosing different diseases affecting the veins and arteries.
Some diseases that can be diagnosed by a vascular ultrasound include atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, and varicose veins. Also, they’re useful in diagnosing and treating blood clots, peripheral artery disease, or an extracranial carotid artery aneurysm.
Your provider may ask for a vascular ultrasound if they suspect you have any of these conditions. In addition, they may also ask if you’re feeling certain symptoms typical of vascular blockage. These include muscle atrophy, leg sores (ulcers) that don’t heal, and burning feelings or feelings of pain in the lower extremities.
Also, since a vascular ultrasound measures blood flow, your provider may offer one after receiving an organ transplant. They may also ask for a vascular ultrasound to confirm you’re a good candidate for procedures like angioplasty.
You may still be asking yourself, “What is a vascular ultrasound, exactly?” Ultrasounds use sound waves to image parts of the body normally inaccessible to experts, in this case, the vascular system. This sound is a higher frequency than a human being can hear, but it detects small internal changes in the body. Ultrasounds detect anything from pregnancy to blood moving through arteries and veins.
Vascular events often begin with small warning signs that can be easy to miss if you aren’t aware of them. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to consider scheduling a vascular ultrasound.
Unusual swelling in your veins is a good reason to schedule a vascular ultrasound. This includes painful swelling and raised swelling that continues for a length of time. Moreover, this could be a sign of worsening issues. And, a vascular ultrasound could be key for early diagnosis.
Leg pain can be a sign of problems in the vascular system in the area. Sensations may range from a burning pain to a tight pinching one. Pain may also be local to a certain part of the leg or spread throughout it.
Patients should always closely monitor any distinct changes to their varicose veins. This can include the veins hardening, spreading, changing color, or even suddenly disappearing. These symptoms may indicate deeper changes going on in the vein itself.
Every part of our bodies is interconnected. However, the vascular and the respiratory systems are even more closely intertwined. If blood struggles to reach an area of the body, the lungs will work harder than necessary.
Similarly to the lungs, the heart may begin straining itself trying to effectively perform its functions. Just like the shortness of breath, this is symptomatic of a deeper vascular problem.
At the risk of stating the obvious, coughing up blood (also called hemoptysis) is never a good sign. Blood arriving in the airway is always a sign of deep symptomatic issues in the cardiovascular system.
Now that you know the warning signs, you’ll know when it’s time to schedule a vascular ultrasound. Early detection leads to earlier treatment and prevents a worse condition from developing.
If you’re in the Centeral Valley and need help with your Vascular treatments, consider calling on South Valley Vascular. South Valley Vascular’s specialists are well-versed in the latest vascular ultrasound techniques.
