Vascular Testing

What is vascular testing?

Vascular testing, also known as a vascular study, is a noninvasive test that checks circulation in your blood vessels and arteries. More specifically, these tests use ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to measure the amount of blood flowing through your body. 

This information helps Dr. Terzian diagnose circulatory problems, evaluate blood flow post-surgery, and monitor the efficacy of certain medical devices, such as A-V fistulas. Since vascular testing is noninvasive, there’s no downtime or recovery necessary.

Am I a candidate for vascular testing?

Dr. Terzian may recommend vascular testing if you have symptoms of a vascular disease, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), stroke, or venous insufficiency. You’re more likely to develop these issues if you smoke, have a family history of vascular disease, or are overweight. Certain health problems may also increase your risk, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Vascular disease symptoms include:

• Pain or cramping in the buttocks, hips, legs, or feet
• Reduced temperature in the lower extremities (e.g., skin that’s cool to the touch)
• Numbness or weakness in the legs and feet
• Slow or non-healing sores and ulcers
• Hair loss on the legs
• Decreased or absent pulses in the legs and feet

Sometimes, Dr. Terzian includes vascular testing as part of an annual exam. For example, if you have high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease, vascular testing can help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. 

Are there different types of vascular testing?

At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, Dr. Terzian offers several types of vascular testing, including:

Pulse volume recording (PVR) study

During this test, blood pressure cuffs go around your arm and leg. When inflated, the cuffs measure how well blood flows through your arteries. 

Computed tomography angiography (CTA)

At the beginning of a CTA test, you have a contrast dye injected into a vein in your arm. Afterward, a computed tomography (CT) scan is completed. The dye shows up in the images, providing a complete picture of the blood vessels throughout your body.

Catheter angiography

During this test, a catheter –– a thin, hollow tube –– is inserted into a vein in your arm or groin, and a contrast dye is inserted into the catheter that takes X-rays of your body. The images reveal obstructions, such as plaque build-up, that can increase the risk of heart problems.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

MRA is a type of magnetic resonance imaging. It uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and computer imaging to generate detailed photos of your blood vessels and arteries. This lets Dr. Terzian identify potential problems, such as blockages and aneurysms. 

Vascular ultrasound 

Also called a duplex study, this test uses high-frequency sound waves to assess how well blood flows through the vessels and arteries in your neck, arms, and legs.

Call Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, today to schedule a vascular testing appointment, or book your visit online.