How are ultrasounds used in cardiology?
Ultrasound imaging has several applications in cardiology. One of their primary uses is imaging the heart structures and the flow of blood around and inside the heart. Ultrasounds of the heart muscle are called echocardiograms, and they’re often performed in combination with a stress test. Ultrasounds are also used to evaluate the peripheral veins and arteries, most commonly the blood vessels in the lower legs and the neck.
What is a carotid artery ultrasound?
The carotid arteries located on either side of the neck provide the brain with an ample blood supply necessary for normal function. If one or both of these arteries become clogged or narrow, blood flow can be compromised, and a stroke can occur. Carotid artery ultrasounds use ultrasound technology to evaluate these arteries to look for signs of blockage or stenosis (narrowing), so treatment can be provided to help avoid a stroke.
How are peripheral vascular and peripheral arterial ultrasounds performed?
In addition to their use in carotid artery evaluations, peripheral ultrasounds can be very useful in identifying and evaluating circulation problems in the legs, ankles, and feet, as well as the hands and arms. Sometimes the veins or arteries in these areas can become blocked or narrowed, resulting in a decline in the flow of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the hands and feet. Without treatment, blockages can cause tissue damage and even tissue death. Sometimes, a clot can break away and travel to the lungs or heart, causing a pulmonary embolism or heart attack. Ultrasounds of the peripheral arteries and veins can help identify these blocked areas, so treatment can be provided to reduce these risks.
How does an ultrasound work?
Ultrasounds use a handheld device called a transducer to transmit sound waves painlessly through the skin. Once beneath the skin, the waves “bounce off” structures inside the body, sending signals back to a computer that uses those signals to produce images and video. Ultrasounds can capture images of structures like the heart as well as processes like circulation, making them especially useful in cardiac evaluation and care.
