Melbourne Vascular Imaging | Screening for Vascular Health

VASCULAR SCREENING

All tests are quick and painless, and urgent results can be forwarded to your doctor within the hour, or you can be assessed promptly by request, by a vascular surgeon at the Melbourne Vascular Surgery & Vein Clinic associated with MVI.

Why do we need Vascular Screening?

Research has shown a disturbing increase in the rate of risk factors for serious vascular diseases such as stroke, peripheral vascular disease, amputations and aortic aneurysms in Western and developing societies. Furthermore, research has shown that vascular disease outside the heart causes almost as much death and disability as heart disease, and more than cancer.

The increasing rates of peripheral vascular disease is correlated with risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, lack of daily exercise, poor diet, smoking, and diabetes.

Family history of vascular disease is also an important risk factor. Having peripheral vascular disease significantly increases the chances of you having a heart attack or stroke leading to disability, reduced quality of life or even death.

Fortunately, major progress in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of vascular disease has been made and some of this technology is being utilised at Melbourne Vascular Imaging, to help improve your quality of life and prolong your life expectancy. Early detection is vital so vascular screening is now highly recommended.

WHAT DO WE SCREEN FOR?

Cerebrovascular (Carotid) Arteries

Have you had episodes of visual disturbance, speech disturbance, pulsatile tinnitus, unilateral weakness ornumbness of arm or leg?

The vast majority of strokes are preventable. Screening of the cerebrovascular arteries can identify
narrowed or blocked arteries, which may be treated to prevent strokes.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Do you have a family history of aneurysms, or notice abdominal pulsation laying in bed?

The aorta is the main artery which carries blood from the heart to provide oxygen rich blood to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm is an expansion and weakness in a section of the aorta.

If large enough, this aneurysm can rupture or burst leading to life threatening internal bleeding. Early detection and treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms can prevent this catastrophic outcome.

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Do you suffer from calf pain / cramp, tiredness / weakness, difficulty walking short / long distances?

Peripheral vascular disease in the lower limbs can result in cramping pain or tightness and weakness in the leg muscles with walking. This is known as claudication. It can limit your mobility, quality of life, and daily activities.

If the PVD is severe enough, pain can be present even at rest and prevent sleep.

Having PVD, even when not associated with any symptoms but found on testing, puts you at a significantly higher risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Screening for PVD may allow you to make lifestyle changes and start on medications to lower these risks.

Varicose Veins

Do you experience tired and aching legs, or leg swelling with prolonged standing or sitting?
Do you have an itchy rash or ulcers in the leg area?

Recurrent swelling of the lower calf and ankles, dilated veins, achy tired legs, recurrent leg infections, and non-healing leg ulcers can all be symptoms of varicose veins or venous incompetence. Left untreated, some varicose veins can result in permanent skin damage with ulcers, discolouration, repeated skin infections and other complications such as bleeding and blood clots. Not all varicose veins are visible on the surface but can be picked up on screening scans, such as those offered by MVI.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Superficial Venous Thrombosis

Have your legs become swollen or painful after recent long distance travel, recent surgery or prolonged bed rest?

Risk factors include recent major abdominal, gynaecological or orthopaedic surgery, previous history of DVT, history of cancer, trauma, being on the oral contraceptive pill, and prolonged bed rest, car or plane travel. The majority may have no symptoms until the clots break off and lodge in the lungs, which may cause shortness of breath, chest pain, or if big enough, sudden death.

Superficial thrombophlebitis produces a localised, palpable, tender, reddened, inflamed and cordlike area. It can increase the risk of you developing a DVT.

Call our clinic on (03) 9348 9446 today to book your FREE vascular health check.