Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a type of medical imaging test that uses sound waves to produce a real-time picture of targeted organs and structures in the body. Ultrasounds are unique among other tests for a couple of important reasons: They don’t subject you to ionizing radiation like an X-ray and they can show your blood as it flows through your vessels. 

Your ultrasound imaging tests at Heart and Vascular Clinic can lead Dr. Balachandran to a diagnosis, help him evaluate ongoing conditions, and plan advanced treatment for a variety of cardiovascular conditions. 

The procedure is noninvasive and simple. Occasionally, you may need to fast for 6-8 hours before an ultrasound imaging test. Other than that, there is little to no required preparation before an ultrasound. 

Which type of ultrasound do I need?

Heart and Vascular Clinic uses several ultrasound types to make diagnoses and plan treatments. Depending on your needs, Dr. Balachandran may recommend:

Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, which can show blood as your heart pumps it. With few or no risks, Dr. Balachandran can use this test to detect multiple types of heart disease. 

Carotid ultrasound

A carotid ultrasound examines the carotid artery, which supplies your brain with oxygen-rich blood from the heart. 

Renal artery ultrasound

A renal artery ultrasound examines the blood vessels inside your kidneys, which can become narrow or blocked and lead to kidney failure. 

Venous ultrasound

This ultrasound type is for your veins. Using it, Dr. Balachandran can search for and locate blood clots in the legs, which are at risk of breaking free and causing complications like pulmonary embolism. 

What can an ultrasound help diagnose?

Ultrasound imaging tests like echocardiograms and venous ultrasounds can detect or evaluate numerous conditions involving the heart and blood vessels. Dr. Balachandran goes over his findings with you in detail during and after the imaging test.

Conditions that cardiovascular ultrasounds can detect include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Blood clots 
• Renal artery stenosis
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Congenital vascular malformations
• Heart valve problems

Dr. Balachandran can also use ultrasounds in some procedures, like guiding a catheter into place for cardiac catheterization. 

To schedule an appointment for cardiovascular ultrasound tests, call Heart and Vascular Clinic or book online today.