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Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Is the screen uncomfortable?
Do I have to have a referral from my doctor?
Will having a screen affect my insurance?
What is a vascular scan?
How do I know which screen I need?
How do I know whether I need one leg scanning or both?
How long do I have to wait for a screen?
Isn’t this something I can have done on the NHS?
Will I be able to drive afterwards?
Will health insurance cover the cost of the screen?
What happens if my screen detects a problem?
I get leg swelling every time I fly, does this mean I have had a DVT?
Do I need a cardiovascular screen if I have a family history of stroke/heart attack?
How long does a cardiovascular screen take?
Is the exercise ECG very strenuous and will I be able to complete it?
I suffer from angina/ have had a heart attack in the past, will I be asked to perform the exercise ECG?
I am unable to walk how does this affect the exercise ECG?
What do I need to wear for the investigations?
When will I get the results?
I have a family history of aneurysms, do I need a scan?
Do I need to have a full cardiovascular screen?
Why do I need to fast?
Do I take my medication?
Answers
Is the screen uncomfortable?
Apart from a blood test, all investigations are completely pain-free. These investigations do not involve entering a tunnel and even patients with claustrophobia will be entirely comfortable.
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Do I have to have a referral from my doctor?
No, we can perform any of the vascular investigations without a referral but, depending on results, we may recommend you seek the advice of your GP or a Specialist for further treatment.
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Will having a screen affect my insurance?
No, all screening reports are entirely confidential.
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What is a vascular scan?
Contact jelly is placed on the skin surface above an artery or vein to be investigated. This jelly provides a contact medium for ultrasound, and allows lubrication so that the probe can move easily across the skin surface. The probe generates a real-time picture of blood flow through arteries or veins which can be used to identify arterial disease, varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis.
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How do I know which screen I need?
Vascular disease in one artery usually indicates that disease is present in other arteries of the body. A full cardiovascular screen offers the opportunity to identify and treat disease early.
We also offer individual vascular investigations, at the request of your doctor, which can be tailored to specific symptoms.
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How do I know whether I need one leg scanning or both?
We only investigate symptomatic legs, if a leg is symptom-free you are unlikely to have significant artery or vein disease.
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How long do I have to wait for a screen?
It usually takes 2-4 weeks to arrange the screen.
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Isn’t this something I can have done on the NHS?
Full cardiovascular screening is not available through the NHS. Although IVS does perform investigations for the NHS, patients must be referred by a doctor and have symptoms which suggest underlying vascular disease.
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Will I be able to drive afterwards?
Yes
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Will health insurance cover the cost of the screen?
Health insurance does not usually cover a health screen but will cover investigations requested by your GP or hospital doctor.
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What happens if my screen detects a problem?
Early disease can usually be treated by changes in lifestyle (smoking cessation, diet and exercise) and possibly tablets, which can be prescribed by your General Practitioner.
Severe disease may require review by a heart (cardiologist) or vascular specialist.
You may choose to take your report to your GP who can refer you to a local specialist either privately or through the NHS.
We can arrange a private consultation with a relevant specialist, however some specialists still require a referral letter from you GP.
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I get leg swelling every time I fly, does this mean I have had a DVT?
No, leg swelling during any long journey is common and usually settles within a day or two. However, if there is calf or thigh pain associated with swelling, or the swelling fails to settle, duplex imaging may be required.
Leg swelling can be prevented by regular short walks or calf exercises and by wearing compression stocks during the journey.
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Do I need a cardiovascular screen if I have a family history of stroke/heart attack?
Yes, the risk of cardiovascular disease is higher if your mother or father suffered either before the age of 70.
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How long does a cardiovascular screen take?
About two hours.
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Is the exercise ECG very strenuous and will I be able to complete it?
The exercise ECG involves walking on a treadmill with gradually increasing speed and slope to increase your heart rate. This may take up to 10 minutes of exercise. The test is stopped if the patient feels unable to continue for any reason.
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I suffer from angina/ have had a heart attack in the past, will I be asked to perform the exercise ECG?
No. Patients who have angina or have had a heart attack will already have been investigated fully by the hospital they attended. A resting ECG will be performed.
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I am unable to walk how does this affect the exercise ECG?
Prior to performing the exercise ECG, our cardiovascular nurse specialist will go through a questionnaire with you; the exercise test will not be performed if you or the nurse thinks it is unsuitable. A resting ECG will be performed.
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What do I need to wear for the investigations?
Come dressed normally but bring comfortable loose clothing such as a ‘T’- shirt and shorts. This will allow access to all areas for ultrasound scanning and ensure you are more comfortable when performing the exercise ECG. It is advisable to remove neck chains to allow carotid scanning but all other jewellery is allowed.
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When will I get the results?
Our cardiovascular nurse specialist will discuss the results of the ultrasound and exercise ECG at the end of the session. Blood results usually take 2-3 days but you will receive a full written report within a week detailing all the results and any recommendations.
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I have a family history of aneurysms, do I need a scan?
Yes, the risk of aneurysm is significantly higher if your mother/father or siblings have aneurysms.
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Do I need to have a full cardiovascular screen?
No, specific symptoms may indicate a certain investigation is required and are usually requested by your doctor. However, arterial disease is usually generalised and may affect all the artery systems. A cardiovascular screen offers a complete assessment of the vascular system.
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Why do I need to fast?
Fasting is necessary to get accurate blood cholesterol and lipid results. It can also make it easier to view the aorta (main artery in the abdomen) by ultrasound. The blood sample will be performed on your arrival then a light snack will be provided.
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Do I take my medication?
Unless otherwise directed, you should take your medication as normal.
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