Vascular lab

Vascular diseases affect the veins and arteries of the body. They can be serious, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm that requires vascular surgery. Or it may be a simpler blockage in a vein that can be treated in the vascular lab.

Our vascular experts provide an accurate assessment of your needs. Testing done in our vascular lab can provide valuable information for your physician to determine that you need medication or surgery as a next step.

Vascular Screenings Available Without a Prescription

Screening tests for vascular disease are now available at the Jewish Hospital without a prescription. The tests take approximately 15-20 minutes and are noninvasive and painless. 

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 513-686-3250.

Vascular disease at-a-glance

Vascular disease includes any condition that affects your circulatory system, such as peripheral artery disease. This ranges from diseases of your arteries, veins and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation.

Treatment for vascular disease includes lifestyle change, medication and surgery.

Accreditation: The Jewish Hospital Vascular Lab has been accredited since 1991.

Why should I be screened? 

If you have any of the following risk factors, you may be at risk for vascular disease. 

• Family history of stroke, aneurysm, circulation disorders
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Prior stroke
• High blood pressure
• Circulation problems
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Leg muscle pain with walking
• Age 50 or older

Screening tests we perform:

• Carotid artery ultrasound (to check for risk of stroke)
  The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. Over time, fatty deposits and plaque can severely narrow or completely block flow to the head, resulting in a stroke. Stroke is the third cause of death and disability in the United States.
  
  
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
  The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the body. Vascular disease may weaken the artery wall resulting in dilation, or aneurysm, which can be fatal. Approximately 15,000 people die each year when aneurysms of the abdominal aorta rupture.
  
  
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
  Deposits of plaque in the large arteries of the legs can block the blood supply to the legs, resulting in pain with walking (claudication). As the disease progresses, the distances which can be walked without pain grow shorter.

How the tests are performed:

• Carotid screening: Lie on your back as a technician runs an ultrasound device along the sides of your neck. Images of the artery and measurements of flow will be obtained.
  
  
• AAA screening:  The technician places the ultrasound probe against the skin of your abdomen. A picture of the diameter of the aorta is obtained. 
  
  
• Peripheral Vascular Disease:  You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. The technician will place blood pressure cuffs around your ankles and arms and measure the blood pressure in both. A calculation is made comparing ankle pressure to arm pressure.

Are there any preparations?

Yes.

The abdominal aortic aneurysm screening requires you fast six hours prior to the exam. Continue to take all medications which your doctor has prescribed.
 
Some clothing may need to be removed prior to some of the examinations and you will need to lie on an exam table for the tests.

How are the results provided?

You will be given a preliminary report by the technician, and the tests will be reviewed by a board certified vascular physician later that day. A final report will be mailed to your physician.

Call 513-686-3250 to request your vascular screening exam.