Given the nature of some medical tests, many of our patients at South Palm Cardiovascular Associates are concerned when we suggest that they have a venous health screening by a Boynton Beach vein doctor. We understand their concern, because after all many medical examinations require them to fast before the test, or involve painful or uncomfortable or invasive procedures. A vein screening requires none of this. It’s a simple, painless, and non-invasive procedure that will give you an accurate assessment of your vein health in about an hour.
So what does a vein health screening in Boynton Beach involve?
As performed by our talented Boynton Beach vein specialists, a vein screening starts with a physical examination, during which we ask specific questions about your general health and your possible risks for vein disease. These risks can include a family history of varicose veins or other vein diseases, obesity, smoking, or a sedentary lifestyle. Next we ask about your symptoms, such as whether you have noticed varicose veins on your legs, and if so, whether they cause you discomfort or pain. If you are female, the doctor may also ask whether you have given birth, or are taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, because these can also increase your risk of vein disease. On the basis of your answers, we may perform other tests.
The purpose of these tests is to pinpoint the exact causes of any symptoms, and to allow us to determine what the best treatment options may be. We may start with blood pressure readings, both in their traditional form using a cuff on the arm, but also sometimes using a second cuff to take additional readings at the ankle. This allows us to measure the ankle-brachial index, or the difference between the two readings, which can help to detect chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, one of the primary causes of varicose veins.
Next, we may use Doppler ultrasound to look below the surface of the skin to see the veins themselves, and watch the blood flowing through them to detect any blockages or impairments to normal blood flow. Ultrasound is completely painless, and is far safer than X-rays, because it uses high frequency sound waves for its visualizations. The technicians can even record these images for later analysis, or to show you any problems they find.
Is that all there is to it?
In most cases, yes, that’s all there is to it. We may order blood tests if they are indicated, and naturally if we see any indications of more serious diseases such as deep vein thrombosis or atherosclerosis we will look into them, because we are concerned with your overall health. After the tests are completed, the doctor will analyze the results, determine whether treatment is necessary, and if it is, explain all of the options to you.
In most cases, you can expect the treatment options to be just as fast and painless as the diagnostic procedures. Advances in modern vein disease treatment have in most cases eliminated the need for surgery, and can be performed in our comfortable Boynton Beach vein center in about an hour, with no need for hospitalization, anesthesia, or recovery time.
So if you are interested in finding out the exact state of your vein health, give us a call at 561-515-0080 and we’ll set up an appointment for a screening. If you’re interested in seeing additional information about vein diseases and their treatment, see our website at: http://www.southpalmcardiovascular.com.
