There are various check-ups that can be done to evaluate the state of the various pathologies and problems that affect the veins and arteries of our body, to prevent them from becoming more serious, or to diagnose them before they occur. Dr. Vidal, specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery, explains when each of them is recommended.
Varicose vein check-up, very useful for tired legs
For whom is a check-up of varicose veins indicated? Adult patients, both men and women, who suffer from heavy and tired legs, especially if there is a family history, can undergo a varicose vein check-up.
Who cannot undergo a varicose vein check-up? Although it has no contraindications in general, it is less relevant to do it in children and in patients during pregnancy, two stages in life in which physiological changes occur.
What does a varicose vein checkup consist of? The varicose vein check-up consists of an echo-Doppler study (without radiation or pain), with which a mapping of the location and function of the veins in the legs is carried out.
What diseases can be detected? The most common are varicose veins, which are dilated and tortuous veins that carry blood in the opposite direction to the physiological one. However, the presence of phlebitis and thrombosis is also assessed.
Aneurysm screening, especially important in some genetic cases
For whom is an aneurysm check indicated? It is a study recommended for people over 50 years of age, especially smokers and people with arterial hypertension. A high risk or prevalence group are males with siblings with this disease.
When is an aneurysm screening not recommended? Neither cerebral nor thoracic aneurysms can be detected with this type of check-up.
What does an aneurysm checkup consist of? It is a physical examination of pulsatile masses that is complemented with an echo-Doppler study where the diameter of the arteries is measured.
What diseases can be detected? Although it is used to diagnose aneurysms, it is a study that can also detect ectasia (minor dilatations) and atheromatosis in general.
Carotid artery screening: to detect a stroke before it occurs.
For whom is a carotid check-up indicated? It is a study that is recommended for people over 50 years of age with a history of coronary disease, such as heart attack or angina pectoris. Also for people with vascular risk factors (smokers, people with hypertension or diabetes), or for people with a family history of these.
What does a check-up of the carotid arteries consist of? During the examination, an echo-Doppler study is performed to assess the physical obstructions of the carotid arteries, as well as the hemodynamic alterations of the arterial flow.
What diseases can be detected? Carotid check-up is especially indicated to detect carotid stenosis that may lead to stroke. In addition, the thyroid gland is also evaluated with ultrasound.
Peripheral artery disease check-up, basic for chronic arterial obstruction, a disease that can lead to amputation.
For whom is it indicated? It is a recommended examination in patients with pain in the lower limbs when walking. It may also be indicated for people over 50 years of age with a family history of amputation, coronary heart disease or stroke, but also for those considered to have risk factors (people with hypertension, diabetics or smokers).
Who is it not indicated for? It is not a contraindicated procedure in any case, with the exception of patients who cannot be examined because of splints or bandages.
What does a peripheral artery disease checkup consist of? It is a physical examination of the arterial topography (pulses), measurement of the percentage of blood reaching the lower extremities (ankle/arm index), which is complemented by an echo-Doppler of the femoral arteries.
What diseases can be detected? The most frequently detectable disease with this study is chronic arterial obstruction (from the aorta to the arteries that irrigate the legs), which causes pain when walking, then at rest and can lead to amputation.
The four check-ups can be combined; that is to say, one can be performed alone, or two or three of your choice, as well as a complete check-up.