Vascular FAQs
Vascular disease is a form of cardiovascular disease that affects the circulatory system. As the heart beats, it pumps blood through the blood vessels, which are flexible tubes that carry blood to every part of the body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and veins return blood to the heart. It can be very difficult to make a vascular disease diagnosis, as there are a wide variety of symptoms and they can be signs of other disorders. Specialists diagnose vascular disease based upon family history, symptoms, and a thorough examination.
Q: What insurance do you accept?
A: We take Medicare and Medi-Cal and most other major carriers. Other insurance plans accepted depend on whether your procedure will be done in your physician’s suite or at the Medical Center. See the Medical Network list here. See the Medical Center list here.
Q: Is my procedure covered by insurance?
A: In most cases, yes. As long as it is not a purely cosmetic procedure, we are typically successful in attaining insurance authorization.
Q: Do I get exposed to radiation with ultrasound?
A: No. Ultrasound works with sound waves and does not expose you to radiation.
Q: Are vascular screening exams useful?
A: Yes, if properly prescribed, they can offer valuable information. Screening exams are simple snapshot tests that can help detect whether you have significant vascular disease. They are not comprehensive exams, and they are not a way to monitor disease over time. If an element of the screening exam is positive, it is best to follow up with your regular physician. We do several screening events every year for people who meet certain criteria. These exams are not indicated for every person and can be misleading if applied broadly. Your doctor can help advise you on this.
Q: What is atherosclerosis and what causes it?
A: Atherosclerosis, also known as “hardening of the arteries,” is plaque build up in the artery wall. The plaque narrows the artery, reducing blood flow. Arteries take blood from the heart to the organs of the body, so atherosclerosis can reduce the blood flow to a particular organ. For instance, if the artery is taking blood to the legs, it can cause pain with walking. Atherosclerosis can also cause organ damage if bits of plaque break off and travel downstream to block smaller arteries. This is what causes many heart attacks and strokes.
Q: What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis?
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family History of Heart Disease or Stroke
- Age
- Male Gender
Good nutrition, weight management, regular exercise, and medication can help slow the rate of development of atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or limb loss.