Screening and Diagnosis

Getting the Jump on Vascular Disease

The absence of symptoms for most forms of arterial vascular disease means that understanding and addressing risk factors (see Risk Factors & Prevention) and being tested regularly is doubly important. For those whose risk factors make them likely candidates for vascular disease, taking advantage of publicly available screening programs for vascular disease can be a lifesaving choice.

In addition, major strides in diagnostic technologies have enhanced the science of detecting and diagnosing vascular disease. CT (computerized tomography) and MR (magnetic resonance) technology are diagnostic tools physicians use to measure or “see” the evidence of vascular disease in ways that aid not only in diagnosis but also in treatment.

If your doctor suspects vascular disease, he or she may order one of the following tests, all of which are completely non-invasive.

An ultrasound is one type of screening test. Click to see larger version.

• CT (computerized tomography) scan — a highly advanced form of X-ray that takes pictures of your body in cross sections
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography — similar to an MRI, using magnetic resonance technology to generate detailed images of the arteries and veins
• Ankle Brachial Index — measures blood pressure in your ankle and compares it to blood pressure in your arm
• Ultrasound Doppler Test — another way of seeing inside the blood vessel, using sound waves to generate an image

Regular screenings for blood pressure, whether through your doctor or the many screening opportunities available in other healthcare or community settings, are of the utmost importance for people of more than a certain age or in risk categories.

Learn more about the AAMC Vascular Center

• Vascular disease: A definition
• Risk factors and prevention of vascular disease
• Screening and diagnosis
• Vascular diseases affecting arteries
• Vascular diseases affecting veins
• Tests, procedures and treatments for vascular disease

• Back To The AAMC Vascular Center Home Page

• Ask your physician or call askAAMC at
  (443) 481-4000

• Meet the Vascular Center team

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