What Are Vascular Disease and Vascular Screenings?

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Experts estimate 20-30 million Americans are at risk for vascular disease. This includes any condition affecting the circulatory system or blood vessels. With early detection, effective treatments are available.

What Are the Symptoms of Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease presents in different ways. For example:

Symptoms of stroke. Any stroke-related signs could indicate carotid artery disease. For example, numbness in the face or any extremity, difficulty with speech, problems with balance.

Unrelenting abdominal or back pain. Such pain raises suspicion about a potential abdominal aortic aneurysm. This is an enlarging or “ballooning out” of the main artery that runs down the center of the chest into the abdomen.

Leg pain and/or foot wounds. Involves plaque buildup in the arteries of the legs which causes cramping of the muscles during activity. It can also involve non-healing wounds on the lower extremities. In the most extreme cases, non-healing wounds can lead to amputation.

All are reasons for concern and should instigate screening for vascular disease.

Sometimes, there are no symptoms which is why vascular screening is important.

How Is Vascular Disease Detected?

Vascular screenings make a significant difference, especially for older patients who have many chronic conditions or a strong family history of vascular disease. With vascular disease, early detection is key. Physicians need to restore blood flow to pertinent areas and organs of the body. This, in turn, decreases long-term morbidity and ultimate mortality. Different types of screenings exist but all involve ultrasound technology.

Who Should Undergo Screening?

Experts suggest that anyone over the age of 60 request a vascular screening. In particular, those with chronic conditions such as:

diabetes
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
history of smoking/tobacco
any strong family history of arterial disease or vascular disease

These individuals are at highest risk for vascular concerns that may not present symptoms. If they’re not sure, they can turn to their primary care provider for advice.

Screening is painless and takes about an hour—from start to finish. Depending on the results, patients will be referred to the appropriate health care professional.

Most importantly, individuals who may be at risk need to know that screening may save their life.

Types of Vascular Screenings

The type of vascular screening you receive varies based on which vascular disease your provider suspects. How you will prepare for screening and how long the screening takes also depends on the type of test you receive. Here are some of the most common vascular screenings:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound

This type of ultrasound typically takes less than 30 minutes and tests for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a disease caused by a weakening of the abdominal aorta which causes enlargement of the aorta, and eventually rupture if not treated. The aorta supplies blood to your lower body, including your abdomen, pelvis and legs.

An aortic aneurysm often doesn’t exhibit symptoms until it ruptures. A rupture can be life-threatening and symptoms include abdominal or leg pain, nausea and vomiting and fainting. You will likely have to fast to prepare for an abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound.

Ankle-brachial index

In this test (pictured above), your provider will measure the blood pressure in your ankles and then compare it to the blood pressure in your arms. The ankle-brachial index is often performed before and after exercise, and the amount of time may vary.

This test is one of many that screens for peripheral arterial disease, which is a condition affecting the peripheral arteries. The peripheral arteries are in your legs and carry blood from your heart to your legs. Peripheral arterial disease is caused by plaque buildup and can increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke. If you experience symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, it will most likely include leg pain, numbness, weak pulses in your legs or feet, and a lower temperature in one leg. There is no prep for an ankle-brachial index.

Carotid artery ultrasound

This screening typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes and checks for carotid artery disease via a carotid artery ultrasound. The carotid arteries are on each side of the neck and provide blood flow from the heart to the brain. Carotid artery disease is a buildup of plaque in the carotid arteries that can eventually limit blood flow and increase your risk of stroke. This condition also doesn’t have symptoms until the blockage causes a stroke or a transient ischemic attack, which is like a mini-stroke. You don’t need to prepare for a carotid artery ultrasound besides taking off jewelry and wearing comfortable clothing.

What Can Individuals Do to Protect Themselves?

If medical professionals detect a problem, there are many interventions available. For example, lifestyle changes. Proper diet and exercise are of utmost importance. Experts recommend a heart-healthy diet. This includes vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean poultry, and oily fish like salmon and tuna which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. The CDC’s guidelines on exercise are 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.

People who smoke should work towards quitting as soon as possible. For this, the University of Maryland Medical System does not leave anyone without help. Smoking cessation programs are available. Individuals living with diabetes can do much by keeping their blood sugar under control.

In some cases, individuals may need to take medications or undergo other procedures. Even if someone lives a healthy lifestyle, they may develop vascular disease for unknown reasons. Health care providers work with these patients to establish a plan to monitor the disease.

Listen to Podcasts About Vascular Screenings

Vascular disease isn’t uncommon. But there are many steps individuals can take to prevent it from becoming debilitating. How can you help yourself or a loved one? In this podcast episode, we visit with Deidre Smith, Vascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Smith covers important details surrounding vascular disease—especially for those who may be at risk but not experiencing any symptoms. Listen here or below:

What Happens After a Vascular Screening?

Discover the next steps after a vascular screening, from diagnosis to treatment options. Dr. Justin Nelms, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, sheds light on the importance of lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical interventions, providing valuable insights for a healthier future. Listen here or below: