The vascular specialists at Blessing’s Heart & Vascular Center are experts at diagnosing and treating a range of vascular conditions. Our team is dedicated to treating your vascular problem so you can enjoy a better quality of life.

Types of Vascular Conditions

Our specialists treat a range of vascular conditions, including:

  • Carotid artery disease: Plaque accumulation in the neck’s main arteries that supply blood to the brain. Too much plaque can narrow the artery (carotid stenosis) or break off and lead to stroke.

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Bulging, weakened area in the wall of the lower part of the aorta. A rupture of this weakened area is life-threatening.

  • Thoracic aortic aneurysm: A weakened area in the wall of the aorta. A rupture of this weakened area is life-threatening.

  • Atherosclerosis: Hardening or narrowing of the arteries caused by the buildup of plaque deposits.

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot that often forms in the legs or pelvis.

  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): A progressive blood vessel disease that narrows arteries and impedes blood circulation.

  • Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lung.

Diagnosing Vascular Conditions

In addition to a physical exam and evaluation of symptoms, our specialists use the latest technology to quickly and accurately diagnose vascular conditions.

Depending on your symptoms and health history, your doctor may recommend one or more of these diagnostic tests:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This noninvasive imaging test measures blood flow to the heart. An MRI also detects changes in and damage to brain tissue that can result from vascular problems.

  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: This imaging procedure shows detailed images of your heart and blood vessels. A CT scan also reveals bleeding in the brain and damage to brain tissue caused by stroke.

  • Ankle-brachial index: This test for peripheral artery disease (PAD) measures blood flow to your limbs by comparing blood pressure levels in your ankle and arm.

  • Doppler ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to show blood flow in the major arteries and veins.

  • Nuclear heart scan: This test shows blood supply to the heart and can reveal damaged heart tissue. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is one type of nuclear heart scan used to reveal problems with blood flow.

  • Coronary angiogram: Your doctor injects contrast dye through a catheter into your coronary arteries. The dye flows into your blood vessels and any blockages show up on special X-ray devices, such as a magnetic resonance angiogram or a computed tomography angiogram.

  • Echocardiogram (echo): This noninvasive ultrasound procedure measures your heart’s pumping action. It also shows detailed images of your heart’s function and structure.

  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): Your doctor inserts a tube into your esophagus and uses ultrasound to get a more detailed view of heart valves and chambers.

  • Chest X-rays: These images show the size and shape of your heart, lungs and blood vessels.

Vascular Surgery

Depending on your health condition, your doctor may recommend surgery. Our specialized vascular surgery team has decades of experience performing a wide array of vascular procedures. Our hybrid operating room features advanced imaging technology to assist with heart surgeries. Learn more about vascular surgery at Blessing.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, please call 217-214-3424. To view upcoming heart related events please click here.