What is an ultrasound?
These tests show your doctor a moving image of the blood flow and muscles in your body to evaluate the circulation in your arteries and veins to find any issues with blockages or aneurysms.
Types of Ultrasounds
Abdominal
Your doctor will take images of your abdomen and may apply some pressure to fully evaluate for blocked arteries or aneurysms. You will be asked not to chew gum or mints, eat, drink or smoke the morning of the exam.
Carotid
Your doctor will image both sides of your neck to evaluate the circulation in your carotid arteries.
Heart
Also called an echocardiogram, your doctor will look at your heart’s form and structure.
Lower Extremity
Your doctor will take images of your legs and may apply some pressure to check for blockages or aneurysms. You will need to be able to bend your legs slightly to get a good view of your entire leg.
Renal Artery
Your doctor will evaluate the circulation in your arteries leading to your kidneys. You will need to be able to turn onto both sides and your doctor may apply pressure to your abdomen to get good images of these arteries. You will be asked not to chew gum or mints, eat, drink or smoke the morning of the exam.
Venous
Your doctor will take images of the veins in your arms and legs and may apply some pressure to your leg to check for clots or valve disease. You will need to be able to bend your legs slightly to get a good view of your entire leg.
What to Expect
Your doctor will apply a special water-based gel and ultrasound wand to the area they are testing.
Duration
Most ultrasounds take about 30–45 minutes. However, renal ultrasounds and venous ultrasounds take about 90 minutes because they check your kidneys and all the valves in your legs.
