Vascular Ultrasound

A vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive way to check how blood flows through your arteries and veins. It uses sound waves to create real-time images of your blood vessels without needles or radiation. At Parkview Cardiology PLLC in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, board-certified cardiologist and internist Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, uses this quick, painless test to help detect circulation issues early. Learn more by booking an in-person or telemedicine appointment by phone or online today.

What is a vascular ultrasound?

A vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of your blood vessels. It helps doctors see how blood is flowing through your arteries and veins.

The Parkview Cardiology PLLC team is known for its expert care with integrity, led by medical experts who help shape national cardiovascular guidelines and practice at the forefront of the field. You can rely on their extensive noninvasive testing for the best results.

Unlike X-rays, vascular ultrasounds don’t use radiation. Instead, they use a small device called a transducer that sends sound waves into your body. The waves bounce off your blood vessels and return as images on a screen.

What is the purpose of a vascular ultrasound?

The goal of a vascular ultrasound is to check for problems with blood flow. It can help detect:

• Blocked or narrowed arteries (often from plaque buildup)
• Blood clots in veins (such as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
• Bulging in artery walls (aneurysms)
• Poor circulation
• Varicose veins or damaged valves in the legs

Dr. Sankholkar uses the test to diagnose vascular conditions early so he can start treatment and prevent serious complications like stroke or limb damage.

What can I expect during a vascular ultrasound?

The test is simple and usually takes 30-60 minutes. You lie on an exam table while your Parkview Cardiology PLLC technician applies a special gel to the area being tested, often your neck, legs, or arms. The gel helps the special probe glide smoothly over your skin and improve image quality.

The technician gently moves the handheld device over your skin. You may feel a little pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. The machine records images and sounds of your blood flow for Dr. Sankholkar to review. 

Once the test is done, your technician wipes off the gel, and you can return to normal activities right away.

What results can a vascular ultrasound show?

A vascular ultrasound can show how well blood is moving through your vessels. It helps identify:

• Areas of reduced or blocked blood flow
• Presence of cholesterol buldup in arteries
• The presence of blood clots
• Abnormal widening or narrowing of vessels
• Poorly functioning vein valves

These results help Dr. Sankholkar determine if you need lifestyle changes, medications, or further testing. Vascular ultrasounds are a key tool in catching vascular problems early before they lead to more serious issues.

Learn more by calling or booking an appointment online today.