Vascular ultrasounds are non-invasive tests Imaging aimed at testing the blood flow through the arteries and the veins. Prior to carrying out the procedure, a comprehensive history of the patient’s health should be ascertained. This helps to have proper interpretation of the scan and reduce risks.
As part of this article, we will discuss the main health history questions that we need to ask prior to a vascular ultrasound by their applicability. The questions contribute to clinical decision-making and to patient safety.
What Is the Importance of a Health History before a Vascular Ultrasound?
It is important to be informed of the medical history of a patient before carrying out any form of diagnostic imaging. A complete history has ability to:
Diagnose the predisposing factors in relation to the vascular health
- Inform the decision on ultrasound choice
- Prevent errors of diagnosis
- Find out the degree of urgency/necessity of further testing
Important questions to ask Health History
1. Cardiovascular History
- Do you suffer hypertension (high blood pressure)?
- Have you been experiencing a heart attack or stroke?
- Do you have the peripheral artery (PAD) or coronary artery (CAD) ?
- Is blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) history present?
- Does your family have a vascular disease?
2. Symptoms Assessment
- Do you have pain, swelling, or cramping pain in the legs when you run?
- Are your legs heavy and tired (after standing)?
- Did you experience coldness, numbness or discoloration of your limbs?
- Do you feel dizzy or do you experience some vision changes (in the case of carotid ultrasound)?
3. Medication Use
- Do you use blood thinners currently (e.g. warfarin, heparin, aspirin)?
- Are you an antihypertensive/cholesterol patient?
- Has anything new or changed in your medicine?
4. Operation and Procedure History
- Have you had any heart surgeries or other surgery in the blood vessels?
- Have you undergone a former vascular ultrasound, angiogram or stent?
5. Risk factors and lifestyle
- Have you ever smoked and do you smoke now?
- How active are you?
- Are you a diabetic or does cholesterol run high?
Type-specific Questions Type of Vascular Ultrasound
In the case of Carotid Ultrasound
- Are you subject to lowering stroke attacks or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)?
- Have you encountered any speech or vision problem suddenly?
In abdominal Aorta ultrasound
- Any past of abdominal pains/pulsations?
- Is abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in your family?
In the case of Venous Ultrasound
- Have you performed long journeys or was immobilized in the recent past?
- Do you have any swollen tenderness of the legs?
Clinical Tips
- Collect data using a structured questionnaire since it standardizes the data.
- Start with open-ended questions to get general information and follow it up with specific questions.
- Take notice of comorbid conditions such as diabetes and chronic kidney condition that could interfere with vascular health.
Conclusion
The diagnostic value of a vascular ultrasound can be improved by taking entire, well-focused health history prior to the test. Risk assessment by asking the most important questions, the professionals address the issue of risk identification, personalizing the imaging plan, and delivering improved care.
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