Aorta Ultrasound
This test helps your physician determine if there are blockages, narrowing or aneurysm (an enlargement or a “bulge”) in your aorta, which is a large artery in your abdomen. Ultrasound is used to obtain images of the aorta and the blood flow within. The test is noninvasive and should cause no significant discomfort.
You should not eat or drink anything except non-carbonated water for 8 to 12 hours prior to the test. You may take your usual medications on the day of the test, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
For this test you will be asked to lie quietly on an examination table while the technologist moves an instrument called a transducer over your abdomen. To obtain clear images of your blood vessels the technologist may apply moderate pressure to your abdomen. During the Doppler portion of the exam you will be able to hear your blood flow and your heartbeat. The resulting images are recorded and stored in your record. The test takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
For this test you will be asked to lie quietly on an examination table while the technologist moves an instrument called a transducer over your abdomen. To obtain clear images of your blood vessels the technologist may apply moderate pressure to your abdomen. During the Doppler portion of the exam you will be able to hear your blood flow and your heartbeat. The test takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Your cardiologist will review your test for any abnormalities.