Services A to Z

Vascular Lab Studies

Service Description:

Vascular Lab Studies uses doppler, ultrasound, and sound waves to diagnose vascular disease in a non-invasive manner.

Vascular Conditions and Tests:

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

PVD is a build-up of plaque in the arteries outside your heart that reduces the flow of blood. As a result, some parts of your body do not get the oxygen they need. People with PVD are three to four times more likely to die from stroke or heart attack than people of the same age who do not have PVD.

Symptoms include:

  • Dull, cramping pain in hips, thighs or calf muscle
  • Pain in the legs often occurs when walking or exercising and is relieved by rest
  • Buttock pain
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
  • Changes in skin color (pale, bluish, or reddish discoloration)
  • Changes in skin temperature, coolness
  • Impotence
  • Infection/sores that do not heal
  • Thickened nails

Tests to diagnose this condition include:

Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) – This is a simple non-invasive test that measures the ratio of the blood pressure in your ankle to that in your arm. This ratio may indicate a potential vascular problem.

Ultrasound Doppler Test – This is a non invasive test using sound waves to provide an image of the inside of the blood vessel to determine if a specific artery has plaque build up.

Angiogram – This test may be used before a final diagnosis is made. A special dye is injected into the arteries under local anesthetic and x-rays are taken. The dye shows up on the x-rays, revealing the arteries and the presence of any narrowing or blockages.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a blood clot that develops in a vein deep in the body. The clot may partially or completely block blood flow through the vein. Most DVTs occur in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis, although they also can occur in other part of the body including the arm, brain, intestines, liver, or kidney.

DVT most commonly occurs in just one leg or arm. Not everyone with DVT will experience symptoms, although when present, they may include:

  • Swelling of the leg or arm (sometimes suddenly)
  • Pain or tenderness in the leg that may only be present when standing or walking
  • Feeling of increased warmth in the area of the leg or arm that is swollen or that hurts
  • Redness or discoloration of the skin
  • Enlargement of the superficial veins in the affected leg or arm

Tests to diagnose this condition include:

Duplex Venous Ultrasound – This test is used to evaluate the blood flow in the veins and to detect the presence and specific location of blood clots. A technologist applies pressure when scanning your arm or leg. If the vein does not compress with pressure, it may indicate a blood clot is present.

Venography – This is an x-ray procedure used to examine the deep veins. A contrast material (dye) is injected into the veins before the x-rays are taken. The dye makes the vein and the blood clot visible on the x-ray. If the blood flow in the vein is blocked, it also may show on the x-ray.

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid Artery Disease is the build-up of plaque on the inside of the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the head and body. Over time, the build-up narrows the artery, decreasing blood flow to the brain which can lead to a stroke.

There may not be any symptoms of carotid artery disease. A transient ischemic attack (also called TIA or “mini-stroke”) is one of the most important warning signs of a stroke. A TIA is a temporary episode of:

  • Blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Weakness and/or numbness of your arm, leg or face on one side of your body
  • Slurring of speech, difficulty talking or understanding what others are saying
  • Loss of coordination, dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble swallowing

Tests to diagnose this condition include:

Carotid Duplex Ultrasound – A procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to view the blood vessels in the neck to determine the presence of narrowing in the carotid arteries.

Carotid Angiography – This is an invasive imaging procedure that involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel in the arm or leg, and guiding it to the carotid arteries with the aid of a special x-ray machine. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter so that x-ray movies of the carotid arteries are taken.

Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) – A CT of the brain may be performed if there is a possibility a stroke has already occurred. This test will reveal areas of damage on the brain.

Contact Information:

Jim Whitehair, Cardiovascular Services Manager
TEL: 217-347-1391

To Schedule:
TEL: 217-347-1540
TOLL FREE: 800-900-1540

Location of the Service:

Vascular Lab Studies are performed through our Cardiovascular Services department. Patients should enter through the Heart Care entrance off of Maple Street eest of the hospital. Parking is available off of Maple Street. The Registration area is through the Heart Care entrance on the right. Map