How Vascular Screenings Can Help Identify and Manage Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. High blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage, if left untreated. Early detection and management of high blood pressure are critical for preventing these complications. Vascular screenings are a useful tool for identifying and managing high blood pressure. In this article, we will discuss how vascular screenings can help identify and manage hypertension.

Main Complications of Hypertension

Understanding Hypertension

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.

Hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions. Some risk factors for hypertension include age, family history, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Hypertension often does not cause any symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.” However, some people with high blood pressure may experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and vision problems.

Diagnosing Hypertension

Hypertension is typically diagnosed through regular blood pressure checks. A healthcare provider will use a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope to measure your blood pressure. Blood pressure should be checked at least once every two years for adults who are not at risk for hypertension. For those who are at risk, such as older adults or individuals with a family history of hypertension, blood pressure should be checked more frequently.

In addition to regular blood pressure checks, vascular screenings can be used to diagnose hypertension. Vascular screenings involve non-invasive tests that can evaluate the health of the blood vessels and detect any blockages or narrowing. Vascular screenings can include tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can help identify any underlying medical conditions that may be causing hypertension, such as kidney disease or atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Vascular screenings can also be useful for managing hypertension. High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Vascular screenings can help monitor the health of the blood vessels and detect any changes that may indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. By detecting these changes early, healthcare providers can intervene and implement measures to prevent further damage.

How Vascular Screenings Can Help Identify Hypertension:

  • Vascular screenings can measure arterial stiffness, which is a measure of the stiffness of the arteries and can lead to increased blood pressure.
  • Vascular screenings can detect any blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels that may be contributing to high blood pressure.
  • Vascular screenings can identify any underlying medical conditions that may be causing hypertension, such as renal artery stenosis.

How Vascular Screenings Can Help Manage Hypertension:

  • Vascular screenings can measure the effectiveness of hypertension treatment, such as lifestyle changes and medications, in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Vascular screenings can monitor the health of the blood vessels and detect any changes that may indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Vascular screenings can help identify individuals who may benefit from surgical intervention or angioplasty to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

Overall, vascular screenings are a useful tool for identifying and managing hypertension. By detecting hypertension early and implementing appropriate measures, healthcare providers can help prevent serious health complications and improve cardiovascular health.

types of vascular scan

Different Types of Vascular Screenings

Vascular screenings involve a range of non-invasive tests to assess blood flow and identify any blockages or narrowing of the arteries. Four common types of vascular screenings include:

Carotid Artery Screening (CCA)

This test is used to assess blood flow in the carotid arteries, which are located in the neck and supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery screening is typically recommended for individuals at risk for stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD Scan)

A PAD scan is used to assess blood flow in the legs and feet. This test is often recommended for individuals with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT Scan)

A DVT scan is used to identify blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. This test is often recommended for individuals with a history of blood clots or those who have recently undergone surgery.

Aortic Aneurysm (AAA Scan)

An AAA scan is used to identify aneurysms, or bulges, in the aorta. The aorta is the body’s largest artery and carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. AAA screening is typically recommended for individuals over 65 or those with a family history of aneurysms.

How Vascular Screenings Can Help Identify Hypertension:

  • Vascular screenings can measure arterial stiffness, which is a measure of the stiffness of the arteries and can lead to increased blood pressure.
  • Vascular screenings can detect any blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels that may be contributing to high blood pressure.
  • Vascular screenings can identify any underlying medical conditions that may be causing hypertension, such as renal artery stenosis, carotid artery disease, or abnormalities in the aorta.

How Vascular Screenings Can Help Manage Hypertension:

  • Vascular screenings can measure the effectiveness of hypertension treatment, such as lifestyle changes and medications, in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Vascular screenings can monitor the health of the blood vessels and detect any changes that may indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • PAD scans can help detect the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. By detecting PAD early, healthcare providers can implement measures to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
  • CCA screenings can help detect narrowing or blockages in the carotid arteries, which can contribute to hypertension. By detecting carotid artery disease early, healthcare providers can implement measures to prevent further plaque buildup and reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
  • Aorta screenings can help detect any blockages or abnormalities in the aorta, which can contribute to hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Vascular Screenings for Cardiovascular Disease

If you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, it is important to get regular vascular screenings to detect any potential issues early on. Vascular screenings involve non-invasive tests to assess blood flow and identify any blockages or narrowing of the arteries.

EECP Treatment as an Alternative

If you are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, you may be able to benefit from EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) treatment as an alternative to more invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery. EECP is a non-invasive treatment that uses cuffs to compress and release the lower extremities to improve blood flow to the heart. Book an appointment today at Blessono.

Take Control of Your Health

By undergoing regular vascular screenings, you can take steps to prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall health. If you or a loved one is at risk for cardiovascular disease, schedule a vascular screening today to see if EECP treatment is right for you. Don’t wait until it’s too late, take control of your health today.

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