Routine Vascular Screenings: A Key to Your Whole Health

Routine vascular screenings can catch issues like blockages or weakened blood vessels early when they’re most treatable. And early detection means quicker treatment for you, which can prevent serious complications later.

We’ve compiled some helpful information, along with one of our board-certified general and vascular surgeons, and hyperbaric medicine specialist, Ajay P. Patel, MD, on why vascular screenings are essential to your whole health and what to expect when you get screened.

Who Are Candidates for Vascular Screenings?

Vascular diseases can develop silently and progress without symptoms until substantial damage occurs, which is why preventive screenings are so important. “People at high risk for cardiovascular diseases should get regular screenings,” explains Dr. Patel. “Risk factors include being over the age of 65, a family history of vascular or heart diseases, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, among others.”

Individuals who are good candidates for vascular screenings include:

• Diabetes patients
• Overweight or obese patients
• Those with a history of smoking
• Those with nonhealing wounds

Talk to your primary care provider if you fall into one of these categories so you can get the preventive care you deserve.

What Are the Types of Vascular Screenings?

“Vascular screenings target different parts of the vascular system,” says Dr. Patel. “The types of vascular screenings include abdominal ultrasounds, ankle-brachial index or ABI and carotid ultrasounds.”

Abdominal ultrasounds check for abdominal aortic aneurysms. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) tests for peripheral artery disease by comparing the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. Carotid ultrasound evaluates the risk of stroke by assessing the carotid arteries in the neck.

How Can Routine Vascular Screenings Keep You Whole?

“Routine vascular screenings are key to preventing and detecting vascular diseases, which can lead to serious health issues like strokes, heart attacks and peripheral artery disease when left untreated for too long,” Dr. Patel explains.

The sooner diseases are detected, the earlier treatment can begin, which gives you a better chance at making a full recovery. Preventive screenings save lives and can also save you money by reducing treatment or medication expenses.

The Benefits of Routine Vascular Screenings

“The importance of regular vascular screenings can’t be emphasized enough,” Dr. Patel says. They’re a simple and effective way to monitor and maintain your vascular health, allowing you to live life to the fullest. Benefits of routine vascular screenings include:

• Detect diseases that may not show symptoms
• Early detection of disease
• Guide treatments
• Manage and monitor existing conditions
• Prevent the development of serious conditions

If you or a loved one is concerned about vascular health or is at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, our team is here to help you feel whole and get you back to the life you love. To book an appointment with Dr. Patel in Carrollwood, call 813-933-3324 or click here.