VESSEL CHECK-UP
Our blood vessels are the lifelines of our body. Their health determines the health of our organ functions.
Carotid artery
For example, it is crucial how our carotid arteries supply our brain with vital oxygen. Narrowing of the carotid artery by more than 70% can threaten our brain's blood supply and trigger a stroke. Since narrowing of the carotid artery does not cause any pain in advance, a one-time examination is advisable from a certain age onwards or if risk factors for cardiovascular disease are present. Ultrasound (duplex) – which is completely painless – can be used to accurately determine the degree of narrowing of a carotid artery and initiate further diagnostic steps to prevent an impending stroke.
Leg artery
The blood circulation in our legs is also important for our health and quality of life. Circulatory disorders often only become noticeable through what is known as intermittent claudication. This causes pain in the calves, thighs, or buttocks after prolonged walking, forcing the person to stop. However, asymptomatic circulatory disorders can also be present, increasing the risk of general cardiovascular disease. A Doppler examination or vascular ultrasound (duplex) of the leg arteries can detect disorders of the leg circulation at an early stage, even in the absence of symptoms, and allow for stage-appropriate therapy.
Abdominal aorta
Another vital artery in our body that functions like a highway is our abdominal artery (aorta). It carries blood from the heart to the legs and can develop a pathological enlargement known as an aneurysm. Most aneurysms do not cause any symptoms, making them a ticking time bomb. Once the diameter reaches 5 cm, the risk of sudden rupture of the abdominal artery increases, leading to a life-threatening situation. An ultrasound examination is a simple and non-invasive test that can determine the diameter of the abdominal artery in a matter of moments. We recommend that health insurance companies routinely offer this ultrasound examination to people aged 65 and over. It is also useful in cases of cardiovascular disease or a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms. If an aneurysm is present, the arteries in the popliteal fossa are also examined, as a simultaneous aneurysm can occur here in ¼ of cases.
Leg veins
The vascular check-up is supplemented by an examination of the leg veins. This allows deeper varicose veins that are not visible from the outside to be detected and their extent to be determined. Often, there are nonspecific symptoms such as a feeling of pressure and heaviness or tingling in the legs, which medical laypeople do not initially associate with varicose veins at all, as varicose veins are often not visible from the outside. If varicose veins are present, a disease of the so-called trunk veins can also lead to damage to the deep vein system in the long term and increase the risk of permanent leg swelling or open legs.
Vascular examination
A vascular check-up at my practice includes an ultrasound of the
- carotid arteries
- Abdominal and pelvic arteries
- leg arteries
- Leg veins
for the presence of circulatory disorders, an aneurysm, or varicose veins. The findings are discussed together and various treatment options are presented.
Frequently asked questions about vascular check-ups
There is no universal or recommended age limit for a vascular check-up. Examination of the abdominal cavity for enlargement of the abdominal aorta (known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm) is recommended from the age of 65, or earlier if other family members have already suffered from this condition. An examination of the carotid artery or the leg arteries may be useful in cases of elevated blood lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a)) or in cases of discomfort in the legs or buttocks when walking (known as intermittent claudication). Many patients have elevated levels of a specific lipid, lipoprotein (a). In this case, a vascular check-up of the carotid and leg arteries as well as the abdominal aorta should also be performed to assess the overall cardiovascular risk, and a consultation with a cardiologist should be scheduled.
An ultrasound examination of the arterial and venous vessels is completely painless. The carotid arteries and the abdominal and leg arteries are examined while the patient is lying down. An ultrasound examination of the leg veins is best performed while standing, as only then can the venous valves, which prevent blood from flowing back to the foot due to gravity, be adequately assessed for valve damage. When lying down, the leg veins cannot be properly examined due to the lack of gravitational influence. Ultrasound does not involve any radiation exposure and can be repeated as often as necessary without any strain on the body.
For patients with statutory health insurance, the costs of a vascular check-up are not covered by statutory health insurance companies when I am consulted as a private doctor. For private patients, this is also generally considered an IGeL service if there are no symptoms. Here too, private health insurance companies may not cover the costs of a vascular check-up without medical indication. All patients should clarify this with their private health insurance company in advance.
A vascular check-up in my practice begins with a detailed medical history, an examination, and palpation of the pulses in both legs. This is followed by an ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries, the abdominal and pelvic arteries, and the arteries and veins in both legs.
The vascular check-up usually takes around 30-40 minutes, and the results are available immediately and discussed in detail with the patient. If desired, the entire examination can be followed on a monitor, and any questions that arise are clarified in an understandable manner during the examination.
Impressions from practice
