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 above 70% can lead to a threat to our cerebral perfusion and cause a Stroke trigger. As a narrowing of the carotid artery in advance No pain a one-off examination is advisable from a certain age or if there are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. With the Ultrasound (duplex) - which is completely painless - the degree of narrowing of a carotid artery can be precisely determined and further diagnostic steps can be taken to prevent an impending stroke.
Leg artery
The Blood circulation in our legs is important for our health and our quality of life. Circulatory disorders often only become apparent through what is known as a circulatory disorder. Intermittent claudication noticeable. This causes pain in the calves, thighs or buttocks after prolonged walking and forces you to stop. However, asymptomatic circulatory disorders can also be present and then increase the risk of general cardiovascular disease. A Doppler examination or a vascular ultrasound (duplex) of the arteries in the leg can detect diseases of the blood circulation in the leg at an early stage, even in the symptom-free interval, and provide treatment appropriate to the stage.
Abdominal aorta
Another vital artery in our body, which functions like a motorway, is our Abdominal artery (aorta). It brings the blood from the heart into the legs and can cause a pathological dilation - a so-called Aneurysm - show. Most aneurysms, treacherously enough No complaints and are therefore a ticking time bomb. From a diameter of 5 cm, the risk of a sudden rupture of the abdominal aorta increases, leading to a life-threatening situation. The ultrasound examination is a simple and non-stressful examination to determine the diameter of the abdominal aorta within a few moments. This ultrasound examination is routinely recommended by health insurance companies from the age of 65. It is also useful in the presence of cardiovascular disease or a family history of aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. If an aneurysm is present, the Arteries in the hollow of the knee as a simultaneous aneurysm can also exist here in ¼ of cases.
Leg veins
The vascular check-up is supplemented by an examination of the Leg veins. Here, deeper-lying and from the outside not visible Varicose veins and their extent can be determined. There are often unspecific symptoms such as a feeling of pressure and heaviness or tingling in the legs, which are not initially associated with varicose vein disease by the medical layperson, as varicose veins are often not visible from the outside. If varicose vein disease is present, a disease of the so-called truncal veins can also lead to a Damage to the deep venous system and increase the risk of permanent leg swelling or open legs.
Vessel examination
The realisation of a Vascular check-ups in 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 Different treatment methods shown.
Frequently asked questions on the topic of "Vascular check-up"
There is no generally applicable or recommended age limit for a vascular check-up. An examination of the abdominal cavity for an enlargement of the abdominal aorta (so-called abdominal aortic aneurysm) is recommended from the age of 65 or earlier if other family members have already suffered from this disease. An examination of the carotid artery or the leg arteries can be useful if blood lipid levels are elevated (cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a)) or if there is discomfort in the legs or buttock muscles when walking (so-called intermittent claudication). Many patients have an increase in a particular lipometabolic value, lipoprotein (a). In this case, a vascular check-up of the neck and leg arteries and the abdominal aorta should also be carried out to assess the general cardiovascular risk, as well as an appointment with a cardiologist.
An ultrasound examination of the arterial and venous vessels is completely painless. The carotid arteries and the abdominal and leg arteries are examined with the patient lying down. An ultrasound examination of the leg veins is best carried out in a standing position, as the venous valves, which are designed to prevent the blood from flowing back to the foot under the force of gravity, can only be adequately assessed for valve damage in a standing position. When lying down, the leg veins cannot be meaningfully examined due to the lack of gravitational influence. The ultrasound does not require any radiation and can be repeated as often as required without stressing the body.
For patients with statutory health insurance, the costs of a vascular check-up are not covered by the statutory health insurance companies. For private patients, it is generally also an IGeL service if there are no complaints. Here too, the private health insurance company may not cover the costs of the vascular check-up without a medical indication. Every patient should clarify this with their private health insurance provider in advance.
A vascular check-up in my practice begins with a detailed medical history and an inspection and palpation of the pulses in both legs. This is followed by an ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries, the abdominal and pelvic arteries as well as the arteries and veins on both legs.
The vascular check-up usually takes around 30-40 minutes and the results are available immediately and are discussed in detail with the patient. If desired, the entire examination can be followed on the monitor and any questions that arise are clarified during the examination.
Impressions of the practice
