Also with regard to prevention in the cardiovascular field, the ASC diagnostic centre perform examinations that are essential in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, aortic aneurysm, gangrene of the lower limbs and all venous diseases of the lower limbs.

Cardiovascular risk prevention is a set of coordinated actions at the individual and public health levels with the aim of reducing and/or eliminating the impact and subsequent disabilities of cardiovascular diseases in the general population.

The leading cause of premature death worldwide in both men and women is caused by atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the wall of medium- and large-calibre arteries, characterised by thickening of the intima and infiltration of lipid-containing plaques in the middle layer of the tonaca, resulting in narrowing of the vessel lumen and the risk of plaque rupture with acute thrombosis.

In Europe, cardiovascular disease is responsible for 42% of deaths in women and 38% of deaths in men under the age of 75.

Our vascular check-up

Visit with Ultrasound of the Supra-aortic Vessels, Abdominal Aorta, Lower Limbs (venous and arterial)

ASC offers a complete vascular check-up, lasting about 60 minutes, which includes the visit with the vascular surgeon and the execution of the ultrasound (venous and arterial) of the supraortic vessels, the abdominal aorta and the lower limbs.

The colour Doppler ultrasound scan is the main method of vascular screening. It is a non-invasive and repeatable examination, which uses ultrasound to morphologically (ultrasound) and hemodynamically (Doppler) examine the walls and flow of arterial and venous vessels.

The use of the Doppler effect in ultrasound makes it possible to measure the speed of blood flow and, in combination with the colour methodology (adding colour to the ultrasound examination), allows the various blood vessels and the presence of any pathologies to be identified and visualised in real time.

The colour Doppler ultrasound can be very useful to study and monitor the main vascular pathologies (arterial and venous stenoses, aneurysms, thrombosis and venous insufficiencies) or to detect atherosclerotic lesions, plaques that obstruct blood flow and can cause venous thrombi. The examination serves to reveal any aneurysms or stenoses and occlusions to the large abdominal blood vessels, pathologies that often develop without providing particular symptoms.

Performing this examination does not require any special preparation, but it is recommended (especially for the colour Doppler ultrasound of the abdominal aorta): in the 2-3 days prior to the examination, follow a light diet, especially avoiding legumes, fruit, vegetables and fizzy drinks; reduce bread, pasta, milk, dairy products. White meats, veal, fish and mineral water are recommended. Take two charcoal capsules after your main meals.

Colour Doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic vessels

The colour Doppler ultrasound of the supra-aortic vessels is an examination used to study and monitor the blood vessels (arteries and veins) that supply the structures of the head, and for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases.

It is carried out using an ultrasound. The doctor takes the images by placing a probe on the skin, onto which he first applies a gel to make it easier to slide. The probe is moved slowly over the various zones to be examined.

Colour Doppler ultrasound of the abdominal aorta

This examination allows for the study of the abdominal aorta, the largest arterial vessel in our body, as well as the major abdominal vessels. In particular, it assesses the flow, and any dilation (aneurysms) or narrowing (stenosis), as well as any alteration of the tissues of the large abdominal blood vessels: the aorta, the renal arteries and the iliac arteries.

To further improve the success of the examination, the following is recommended: in the 2-3 days prior to the examination, follow a light diet, especially avoiding legumes, fruit, vegetables and fizzy drinks; reduce bread, pasta, milk, dairy products. White meats, veal, fish and mineral water are recommended. Take two charcoal capsules after your main meals.

It is carried out using an ultrasound, placing the probe on the bare torso. The doctor takes the images by placing a probe on the skin, onto which he first applies a gel to make it easier to slide. The probe is moved over the abdomen, slowly passing over the various quadrants, and obtaining complete images of the entire abdominal course of the large vessels.

Colour Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs (arterial and venous)

The arterial and/or venous colour Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs is a non-invasive examination used to evaluate the health status and function of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) of the legs: course of the vessels, diameter, vascular wall, arterial flow and relationship of the vessel with the nearby structures.

It is used to diagnose the presence of stenosis (narrowing of the arterial and venous circulation), occlusions, complete or partial, deep or superficial venous thrombosis (DVT), monitor varicose disease, evaluate the presence of aneurysms, venous insufficiencies, or vascular ulcers.

The examination is non-invasive, painless and without contraindications: it simply involves passing the ultrasound probe over the affected area. It does not require any special preparation.

The assessment of patent arteries makes it possible to prevent diseases that are very disabling if not diagnosed and treated early. These diseases, such as intermittent claudication or gangrene, can cause serious damage, especially in diabetic patients and those on dialysis. In addition, by studying the deep venous circulation, the examination is able to identify any thrombotic processes that could cause pulmonary embolisms.

Our cardiac check-up

Our cardiac check-up ASC Heart disease is among the top causes of death in Italy, but the good news is that cardiology prevention can help reduce your heart disease risks by identifying the risk factors associated with the disease and providing you with the guidance and care needed to address these issues and improve your cardiovascular health. ASC puts all its scientific knowledge to work for the health of your heart.

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