Vascular Studies

Vascular studies are specialized imaging tests that evaluate how well blood flows through your arteries and veins. These non-invasive procedures help detect circulation problems, such as narrowed arteries, blood clots, or poor vein function. If left untreated, these issues can lead to severe conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) or stroke.

At CAM Medical Group, we provide detailed vascular studies to assess your circulatory health with accuracy and care. Our specialists use advanced imaging techniques to diagnose vascular conditions at an early stage, allowing for proactive and effective health management.

How Vascular Studies Work

Vascular studies use ultrasound technology to assess blood flow and detect abnormalities in blood vessels.

Ultrasound imaging works by transmitting high-frequency sound waves through the body. As these waves encounter blood vessels and the moving red blood cells, they reflect back, creating echoes that vary based on the density and movement of the structures they hit. These echoes are then processed by the ultrasound machine to create real-time images of the blood vessels.

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, vascular ultrasound does not use radiation, making it a safe and non-invasive method for diagnosing vascular conditions.

Depending on the type of vascular study you need, different ultrasound technology may be used:

Doppler Ultrasound – This technique measures blood flow by detecting changes in sound wave frequency as they bounce off moving red blood cells. It can assess whether a blood vessel is narrowed or blocked by analyzing how much blood passes through an artery or vein with each heartbeat.
Color Doppler – This is an advanced version of Doppler ultrasound that provides a color-coded visualization of the blood flow. It can distinguish the direction and speed of circulation.

Need for Vascular Studies

Vascular studies are recommended when there are signs of problems in peripheral (arms, legs, and/or neck) circulation.

Common symptoms that may indicate the need for a vascular study include:

Leg pain or cramping while walking (claudication)
Persistent leg swelling or heaviness
Cold or discolored fingers, toes, and skin
Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or limbs
Foot pain that worsens when sitting or lying down
Sudden weakness, dizziness, or difficulty speaking
Non-healing wounds on the feet or legs

Even if you do not have these symptoms, your doctor may recommend vascular studies if you have risk factors for vascular disease. This can include:

Diabetes, which increases the risk of arterial blockage
Hypertension (high blood pressure)can damage blood vessels over time
High cholesterol, which contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries
Smoking is a major risk factor for both arterial and venous diseases
Family history of vascular disease
History of blood clots or stroke, which may require ongoing monitoring

Types of Vascular Studies We Perform

At CAM Medical Group, we offer a variety of vascular studies to check blood flow and find potential problems with your arteries and veins. The specific test recommended will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and the suspected condition.

Here are the types of vascular studies we perform.

Carotid Doppler (Carotid Duplex Scan)

This test examines the carotid arteries in your neck, which carry blood to your brain. It helps check for narrowing, blockages, or plaque buildup that could increase the risk of a stroke. It can also assess smaller branches of the carotid artery.

Venous Doppler (Venous Duplex Ultrasound)

This ultrasound exam evaluates the veins in your legs, arms, or abdomen and is often used to detect blood clots. It can also help diagnose problems with the valves in your veins that might cause leg swelling or varicose veins.

Aorta Doppler (Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound)

This test examines the large artery in your abdomen (the aorta) for bulges or weak spots, called aneurysms. If an aneurysm grows too large, it can rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent dangerous complications.

Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) Study

This test assesses blood flow in the arms or legs by measuring blood pressure at different points along the limb. It helps detect circulation problems, like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which can cause pain and numbness in the legs and feet.

What You Can Expect During a Vascular Study

At CAM Medical Group, we understand that medical tests can feel overwhelming. We aim to make your vascular test as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Here is what you can expect during your appointment.

Before the Test

Preparation for a vascular exam depends on the specific test being performed. For most vascular ultrasounds, no special preparation is needed. However, keep these aspects in mind:

You may need to fast for a few hours if undergoing an Aorta Doppler or other abdominal vascular studies.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the area being examined.
Our team will provide specific instructions if any additional preparation is required.

During the Test

Your vascular examination will take place in a comfortable setting, and the process is quick and non-invasive. Depending on the type of test, you may be asked to lie down or stand. Here is what happens during the exam:

Our technician will apply a water-based gel to the skin.
A small handheld device called a transducer is moved over the skin to capture real-time images of your blood vessels and circulation.
If you are having a Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) Study, blood pressure cuffs may be placed on your arms or legs to assess circulation.
The test is painless, though you may feel slight pressure as the technician moves the transducer to get clearer images.

After the Test

Once your vascular study is complete, you will be able to return to your normal activities right away. These tests are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning no recovery time is needed. There are no side effects, and you can go home the same day.

If your test results indicate a vascular issue, our physicians will discuss the next steps and any necessary follow-up care.

Schedule Your Vascular Study in North & West Chicago

At CAM Medical Group, we provide accurate, non-invasive vascular exams to help diagnose and manage circulation-related conditions.

We are committed to making your experience as easy as possible, so our team is proud to offer bilingual support in English and Spanish. For your convenience, we also offer flexible scheduling options, including Saturday hours and walk-in availability.

To schedule a consultation, please call us or request an appointment online. Alternatively, walk into our clinic on W Wilson Ave or N Western Ave in Chicago.