Vascular disease, or disease of the veins and arteries that carry blood through the body, presents itself in a variety of ways.

Caused by the buildup of plaque, vascular disease constricts arteries and veins and reduces blood flow. Early symptoms may include pain, numbness and swelling.

Two common types of vascular disease include carotid artery disease (CAD), which affects the heart’s arteries, and peripheral artery disease (PAD), which affects arteries in the legs.

Without treatment, the disease can increase the risk of life-threatening medical conditions such as aneurysms, heart attack and stroke.

It makes sense to stay ahead of any worst-case scenario by seeing your physician for annual physicals and sharing any symptoms you may be experiencing. If your doctor suspects vascular disease, Endeavor Health experts have effective, noninvasive tests to screen for disease before it causes serious problems.

“Noninvasive vascular screening tests can help us identify potential issues early, which allows for treatment to prevent problems down the road,” said Benjamin Lind, MD, a vascular surgeon with Endeavor Health. “Early detection is always preferable to treating a serious condition.”

What are some common noninvasive vascular tests used?

There are two common screening tests we use to assess vascular disease, Dr. Lind said.

  • Carotid artery disease (CAD) screening: This test uses ultrasound imaging to identify signs of CAD by evaluating blood flow.
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening: This simple assessment uses the resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) to determine your potential risk for PAD.

What are the benefits of using noninvasive vascular tests?

Any time we can use noninvasive tests it’s better for the patient, Dr. Lind said. Noninvasive procedures support faster healing and less pain. They also allow your physician to create a personalized treatment plan to prevent more serious disease from developing and help reduce medical costs by keeping you healthy longer.

If vascular disease is discovered by a screening test, what are the next steps?

That depends on the nature of the disease, Dr. Lind said. Often in early stages of disease, lifestyle modifications or medication can prevent or delay serious problems. Your physician would create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.

Is Endeavor Health accredited for vascular testing?

Endeavor Health has successfully maintained its IAC Vascular Testing accreditation from 1995-2025 as a 30-Year Gold Milestone recipient.

“Our lab has now been accredited for 30 years. It puts us among the oldest continuously accredited sites in the city and nation,” Dr. Lind said. “This milestone speaks to the long-standing, high level of commitment to quality and patient safety in noninvasive vascular diagnostics.”

Expert heart and vascular care

Your heart is in expert hands when you choose Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute, your regional destination for comprehensive cardiovascular care.

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