An abdominal aortic ultrasound assesses for plaque formation in
the aorta and measures the size of the aorta. This test is often
used to identify an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An abdominal
aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of a large blood vessel, which
can lead to rupture if severe. Using ultrasound, this study
visualizes plaque in the carotid arteries. Carotid arteries
supply blood to the brain and blockages of these arteries can
lead to a stroke. Early detection of carotid artery disease can
help to identify patients at risk for stroke and to initiate
strategies to prevent stroke. Certain cardiovascular diseases
are associated with blood clots. Among these diseases are deep
vein thrombosis or DVT (blood clots in the veins of the lower
extremities) and atrial fibrillation (a form of arrhythmia with
an irregular heart rhythm). These diseases are often treated
with blood thinners (e.g. warfarin) which require the periodic
measurement of the clotting ability of the blood. One common
blood test is the INR, whic