Using a special ultrasound called “Doppler,” this procedure evaluates blood flow. Doppler ultrasound is a standard part of the vascular ultrasound that Dr. Maddahi prescribes at his Los Angeles cardiology practice to find any blockages or abnormalities. We will use this to look for blood clots, check for enlarged arteries, or locate the source of varicose veins. Vascular ultrasound in Los Angeles is also used to determine if you would benefit from a cardiac procedure such as angioplasty or to check on how well your previous surgeries are working.
Types of Vascular Ultrasound
There are four types of vascular ultrasound: carotid ultrasound, arterial ultrasound, venous duplex ultrasound, and abdominal aorta ultrasound.
Carotid Ultrasound
Carotid ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to examine your carotid arteries, which supply blood to your head and neck. A buildup of plaque in your carotid arteries can narrow them and reduce blood flow to your brain, leading to carotid artery disease and a stroke. During a carotid ultrasound, a transducer is placed on your neck. The transducer sends sound waves that create images of your carotid arteries on a computer screen. Your doctor can use these images to check for blockages in your arteries.
Arterial Ultrasound
An arterial ultrasound is a medical test that uses sound waves to create an image of the arteries to diagnose blockages or narrowing. The test is noninvasive and does not require any special preparation. The vascular ultrasound in Los Angeles technician will apply gel to the skin and move a hand-held device, called a transducer, over the examined area. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the arteries and create an image on a monitor. Arterial ultrasound diagnoses various conditions, including atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and aneurysms.
Venous Duplex Ultrasound
A venous duplex ultrasound diagnoses deep vein thrombosis, a condition marked by leg pain and swelling because of the accumulation of blood clots in the leg veins. If these blood clots break away and travel into the lungs via the bloodstream, you may suffer from a pulmonary embolism. Venous duplex ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the veins and determine if you have blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. If you’re diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, the cardiologist may offer blood thinners or other personalized treatments.
Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound
The abdominal aorta ultrasound is a diagnostic tool used to assess the condition of the abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta is the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lower body. Vascular ultrasound in Los Angeles is a noninvasive imaging modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal organs, including the aorta. This diagnostic test evaluates the size, shape, and location of the aorta and detects blockages or abnormal areas in the abdomen. The test is performed to evaluate symptoms such as abdominal pain or to screen for aneurysms.
What to Expect
Contact our office for instructions to prepare for your vascular ultrasound. We will prepare instructions that are tailored just for you. We ask that you tell our office about any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) you are taking. We will also need to be advised of any medical devices or implants you may be using. Dr. Maddahi will advise on continuing medications, special precautions for devices, and if fasting is recommended.
The vascular ultrasound in Los Angeles is non-invasive and involves you lying still on an examination table. We may dim the lights so we can see the monitor screen easily. We will use a wand called a transducer to see your heart. A small amount of gel is placed on your chest to perform the test. This gel maintains contact between your chest and the transducer. We will pass this wand over your chest several times to take pictures or videos of your heart.
Call us with any questions or concerns you have about your test. Dr. Maddahi and our staff will work to make your experience easier. Your images are recorded and analyzed by Dr. Maddahi. If any abnormalities are found, Dr. Maddahi will prepare a plan to get you on the right track for a healthy heart.
Improve & Restore Your Cardiac Health
Dr. Maddahi prides himself on the success of his patients. Once he has taken you on as a patient, restoring you to good health becomes his mission. Your vascular ultrasound in Los Angeles is just the beginning step on a proven path to heart fitness. As one of the best cardiologists in Los Angeles, Dr. Jamshid Maddahi offers the excellence in the care you deserve. If you have the signs and symptoms of heart conditions or a high risk of heart problems, please contact Dr. Maddahi at our Los Angeles cardiology practice.