Early Detection

Screenings

Early Detection Saves Lives

Vascular screenings are non-invasive tests designed to identify issues with your blood vessels and circulatory system before they become serious. These quick, painless tests can detect conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysms, and venous reflux — often before you experience symptoms.

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, early detection is what we do best. Schedule a screening today.

Our Screening Tests

Carotid Artery Ultrasound

An ultrasound of the main arteries in your neck to check for narrowing or blockage that could lead to stroke.

Results guide:

  • Normal (≤19% stenosis) — No follow-up needed
  • Mild (20-49%) — Follow-up screening in 1-2 years
  • Moderate (50-69%) — Appointment with VIS recommended within 2 weeks
  • Severe (greater than 70%) — Immediate appointment recommended; stroke risk is elevated

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound

An ultrasound to check for enlargement or bulging in the abdominal aorta — a potentially fatal condition that is often hereditary.

Results guide:

  • Normal (less than 3 cm) — No follow-up needed
  • Enlarged (3 cm) — Appointment with VIS within 2 weeks
  • Critical (greater than 5 cm) — Immediate appointment; aneurysm risk is very high

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

Measures blood pressure in your ankles compared to your arms to assess blood flow in your legs. An abnormal result may indicate PAD.

Results guide:

  • Normal (≥0.90) — No follow-up needed
  • Mild disease (0.80-0.89) — Elective appointment recommended
  • Moderate disease (0.50-0.79) — Appointment within 2 weeks
  • Severe disease (below 0.49) — Immediate appointment; risk of limb loss

Vein Reflux Ultrasound

A scan to measure vein function and identify problems that may cause varicose veins, leg pain, or heaviness. Reflux or veins larger than 5mm indicate a positive screen.

Who Should Be Screened?

You should consider vascular screening if you are:

  • Age 50 or older
  • Diabetic (Type 1: screen at age 30+)
  • A current or former smoker
  • Living with high cholesterol or high blood pressure
  • Overweight or obese
  • Experiencing slow-healing sores on feet or legs
  • Feeling pain, cramping, or aching in legs while walking
  • Have a family history of heart disease or abdominal aortic aneurysm

Screening is recommended every 3-5 years for patients with risk factors.

What to Expect

Vascular screenings are:

  • Non-invasive — no needles, incisions, or injections
  • Quick — most screenings take 15-30 minutes
  • Painless — no discomfort during the tests
  • Convenient — no special preparation required; stay fully clothed

Results are reviewed with you at the time of your appointment, and our specialists will recommend next steps based on your results.

Schedule a Screening

Take control of your vascular health before a problem develops. Contact us or call (605) 217-5617 to schedule your screening at the location nearest you.