What to Expect from a Cardiovascular Scan
All Cardiovascular investigations are quick and painless. A Carotid IMT test can take as little as 15 minutes. A complete cardiovascular assessment (Carotid Duplex and IMT, Echocardiograph and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Scan) should take about 1 hour.
Investigations are performed in a private room at one of our participating Group Practices.
We will begin by taking some personal details and a family history/lifestyle check. This helps us to measure your risk of cardiovascular disease and highlight any areas for concern. Our cardiovascular assessments use ultrasound and are completely pain-free. We apply a small amount of aqueous gel to your skin over the areas to be scanned and a hand-held ultrasound probe is used to obtain images of the arteries or heart. It is the same technology used in obstetric ultrasound scans.
The arteries are investigated at the neck and abdomen while you lie comfortably. To scan the heart we ask you to lie on your side and pass the probe over your chest. This allows us to diagnose aneurysm and arterial disease which may cause stroke, angina, or heart attack. We also investigate the heart for evidence of heart failure or other anomalies.
At the end of the tests we will explain your results, and give advice tailored to your individual cardiovascular profile. This will help you to adopt healthier habits and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
A full report explaining your results in layman's language will be handed to you. You will also receive a version for your General Practitioner with recommendations for further treatment if necessary.