Patient Resources · Preparation & Results

Everything You Need
Before and After Your Scan.

Preparation checklists, step-by-step guides, and plain-language explanations of what your results mean — for every screening we offer.

ARDMS Certified Sonographer
ASE Member — Echo Standards
IAC Accredited — Echo & Vascular
Board-Certified Cardiologist Review

How to Prepare
for Each Scan

Following these guidelines ensures the clearest images and most accurate results. Print this page or reference it the morning of your appointment.

45–60 min

Echocardiogram

  • ✓  No fasting required — eat normally
  • ✓  Continue all medications as prescribed
  • ✓  Wear loose clothing with easy chest access
  • ✓  Avoid strenuous exercise 2 hours prior
  • ✓  Have a flat surface available (bed or couch)
  • ✗  No preparation needed beyond the above
30–45 min

Carotid Duplex Ultrasound

  • ✓  No fasting required
  • ✓  Wear low neckline or button-down shirt
  • ✓  Remove necklaces before the scan
  • ✓  Continue all medications normally
  • ✓  Have a pillow available to prop your shoulders
  • ✗  No dietary restrictions
30–45 min

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

  • ⚠  Fast 4–6 hours before your scan
  • ✓  Water and medications are permitted
  • ✓  Wear loose, comfortable clothing
  • ✓  Avoid carbonated beverages day-of
  • ✗  No food, gum, or hard candy during fast
30–45 min per leg

Lower Extremity Venous

  • ✓  No fasting required
  • ✓  Wear loose shorts or bring a change of clothes
  • ✓  Remove compression stockings before scan
  • ✓  Brief standing position required during exam
  • ✓  Continue medications normally
  • ✗  Avoid tight leg garments day-of
45–60 min

Lower Extremity Arterial

  • ✓  No fasting required
  • ✓  Wear or bring loose shorts
  • ✓  Avoid smoking 2 hours before (affects circulation)
  • ✓  Continue medications including blood pressure meds
  • ✓  Rest and avoid strenuous activity 30 min before
  • ✗  Do not skip blood pressure medication
45–60 min

Kidney Arterial Ultrasound

  • ⚠  Fast 4–6 hours before your scan
  • ✓  Water and medications are permitted
  • ✓  Wear loose, comfortable clothing
  • ✓  Avoid carbonated beverages day-of
  • ✓  Inform sonographer of BP and kidney medications
  • ✗  No food or gum during the fast

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Terms You May See
in Your Report

Your cardiologist report is written in plain language, but you may encounter these clinical terms. Here is exactly what each one means.

Ejection Fraction

Percentage of blood pumped out with each heartbeat. Normal: 55–70%. Below 40% indicates significant concern.

Stenosis

Narrowing of an artery, measured as a percentage. 50–69% is moderate; 70%+ is severe.

Regurgitation

When a heart valve leaks blood backward. Graded mild, moderate, or severe.

Plaque

Fatty deposits inside artery walls. Soft plaque carries higher risk than calcified plaque.

DVT

Deep vein thrombosis — a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Requires prompt treatment.

Reflux

Backward blood flow in veins due to valve failure. A key marker of venous insufficiency.

Aneurysm

Abnormal widening of an artery. Aortic diameter ≥3 cm meets aneurysm criteria.

Normal Limits

No significant abnormality identified in that structure or measurement.

What Each Outcome
Means for You

Your report will clearly state whether follow-up is needed and how urgently. We will never leave you without clear next steps.

Read Our Full FAQ
Normal Findings
Low urgency

No significant abnormalities. Share your report with your PCP. Consider repeat in 1–3 years based on your risk profile.

Mild Findings
Routine follow-up

Minor findings warranting monitoring. Follow-up timing and lifestyle guidance included in your report.

Moderate Findings
Physician review recommended

Clinically significant findings to review with your physician. Urgency level specified in your report.

Significant Findings
Contact your doctor promptly

Prompt evaluation needed. We will contact you directly in addition to delivering your report.

Book Your Screening
With Confidence

Now that you know exactly what to expect — no referral, no insurance, no waiting. Results in 24–48 hours.