Preparing for a Vascular Ultrasound and What to Expect

So, what exactly is a vascular ultrasound, and why would you need one? The simple answer? It’s a noninvasive test that requires little prep but provides essential information about your health.

Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants serves New York City with comprehensive cardiovascular care focused on helping you live your healthiest life. We frequently utilize vascular ultrasounds to diagnose and monitor various conditions affecting vital blood flow through your arteries and veins.  

We’re happy to walk you through the benefits of vascular ultrasound, why you might need one, and what you can expect before, during, and after your study.

Vascular ultrasound basics

A vascular ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of your blood vessels. It helps doctors see how well blood flows through your arteries and veins.

This test is commonly used to detect:

• Blocked or narrowed arteries (due to plaque or clots) in the arms, legs, or neck
• Blood clots in the veins, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Aneurysms (weakened or bulging areas in blood vessels)
• Varicose veins or venous insufficiency
• Problems with blood flow to organs or limbs

We may also recommend a vascular ultrasound to check your blood vessel health before surgery or monitor chronic conditions like aneurysms. 

Signs you might need a vascular ultrasound

Your doctor might order a vascular ultrasound if you have symptoms such as:

• Swelling, pain, or skin discoloration in the legs
• Leg cramps or fatigue when walking
• Coldness or numbness in the arms or legs
• A history of smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Unexplained leg wounds (ulcers) that aren’t healing
• A family or personal history of vascular disease

Even if you don’t have symptoms, we might recommend a vascular ultrasound as a screening tool if you're at higher risk for blood clots, stroke, and other vascular issues.

How to prepare for a vascular ultrasound

In most cases, preparing for a vascular ultrasound is simple. However, the process can vary slightly depending on the part of your body being examined.

General tips

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the study. You may be asked to change into a gown just before the test begins.

Avoid wearing lotions or oils on the area being examined, as they can interfere with the ultrasound gel.

Preparing for an abdominal vascular ultrasound

You may be asked not to eat or drink for 6–8 hours before the test. This helps reduce gas in your intestines, which can block the view of blood vessels.

Otherwise, your Premier Cardiology Consultants care team will provide specific instructions tailored to your case; please follow their guidelines.

What to expect during a vascular ultrasound

The experience can vary slightly depending on the area under study; generally, however:

1. You'll lie comfortably on an exam table while a technician (sonographer) applies a warm gel to the skin of the targeted area.
2. The technician moves a small handheld device (transducer) over your skin, pressing firmly to maintain contact. The device emits sound waves and records the echoes as they bounce off the blood vessels.
3. Following the technician's instructions, you may need to adjust your position slightly as the study progresses.
4. Whooshing sounds are often audible during the ultrasound and perfectly normal, reflecting blood flow through arteries or veins.
5. The test typically takes 30-60 minutes, with no recovery time required, and you can expect to return to your regular activities immediately after the study.

Your doctor will receive a detailed report and review the study results with you. If we note something unusual, your specialist may recommend further tests, lifestyle changes, or treatment options.

Have a vascular ultrasound coming up, or think you might need one to check your blood vessel health? Don’t stress. Schedule a visit at Premier Cardiology Consultants today.