Circulatory disorders can not only be painful, but they can also have serious consequences for the patient if left untreated. Interruption of blood flow in certain areas of the body can lead to heart attack, stroke, or vascular occlusion.
rd. 4 million
of all Germans have circulatory disorders
A circulatory disorder often goes unnoticed for several years because it causes no symptoms. Therefore, the disease is often not diagnosed. In Germany, about 4 million people are affected by a circulatory disorder, but the disease is diagnosed in only about one in three.
Where can you have a pelvic leg screening in Munich?
Vascular calcifications are the main reason for blockages of blood vessels and organ connections. An appropriate examination by means of leg-pelvis screening quickly reveals potential problem areas. This allows subsequent steps of prevention or therapy to be optimally planned and implemented. Just ask for an appointment with our specialists!
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
General back pain therapy
Arteriosclerosis refers to the calcification of the vessels. Residues of fat, protein, connective tissue and calcium, known as plaques, are deposited in the arteries. As a result, neither oxygen nor nutrients can be efficiently transported to the organs, muscles and tissues. As the buildup increases, the artery can become blocked and a blood clot, or thrombus, forms. Complete arterial occlusion is called an infarction.
An infarction in the heart or in the cerebral arteries can have particularly serious consequences, because then a heart attack or stroke can threaten. However, circulatory disorders can also lead to problems in other parts of the body, such as the leg (smoker’s leg and window shopper’s disease). In this case, one speaks of “peripheral arterial occlusive disease” (PAVK).
The reasons for atherosclerosis can be manifold. Studies have shown that lipometabolic diseases in particular promote circulatory disorders. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, lack of exercise, obesity and stress increase the risk of atherosclerosis. The same is true for smoking. A hereditary predisposition is also one of the risk factors.
How are circulatory disorders diagnosed?
Vascular calcification is particularly common in the arteries or arteries of the neck, pelvis, leg, and arm and collarbone. In many cases, however, atherosclerosis is not limited to one region of the body, but can be detected in multiple sites. Pelvic-leg screening is therefore useful because pathological changes and narrowing of the arteries often first become apparent in the legs. During this examination, arteriosclerosis can be ruled out or detected at an early stage. If abnormalities are detected, other regions of the body should also be examined.
MRI and MRA
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can be used to image blood vessels in three dimensions to visualize possible changes, such as narrowing or occlusion of the arteries. In both examinations, magnetic fields are generated to image the blood vessels. Therefore, compared to other methods, the MR examination is gentle and almost risk-free, which is why children and pregnant women are also allowed to undergo this examination. However, an MR scan may not be performed on patients if they have a pacemaker, for example. The magnetic field could cause a malfunction of the pacemaker.
CT and CTA
Computed tomography (CT) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) can also be used to visualize blood vessels in the body and to show arteriosclerosis or other changes in the body. They are particularly suitable for people with an increased cardiovascular risk or if you wear a pacemaker. In contrast to magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography uses X-rays. Since the patient is exposed to radiation during this examination, he or she may perceive it as stressful in some cases. Possible side effects may include nausea or fatigue. Children and pregnant women are not allowed to take the examination.
Advantages and disadvantages
In both MRI and CT scans, a contrast agent is injected into the vein in the arm. This distributes throughout the body via the bloodstream and makes the blood vessels more visible during the examination. In most cases, the contrast agent is well tolerated by patients. However, it is also possible that patients are sensitive to it. The contrast medium contains iodine. For this reason, persons with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in particular should avoid the contrast medium. Please inform your physician and the radiology team if you wish to forgo the contrast medium. In certain cases, the contrast agent does not need to be injected. In this case, however, the evaluation of the examination may take a little longer.
What do I need to consider during pelvic leg screening?
Cost absorption
Pelvic-leg screening is not covered by the statutory health insurance as part of a screening examination. Private health insurance, on the other hand, often covers the cost of the examination. Please discuss your request for an examination with your physician and contact your health insurance company to clarify your individual case.
To note
Depending on various factors, it must be decided which examination is suitable for you. If you are pregnant or a minor, you must not be exposed to radiation. Therefore, you should not have a CT scan, which uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels. On the other hand, people with pacemakers or other permanent implants (e.g., hearing aids) are not allowed to have MRI exams because the magnetic waves used can affect their ability to function. Please discuss in advance with your doctor which examination is suitable for you. Also discuss with him whether you want to avoid a contrast medium, either because you have an intolerance or because you do not want to be injected with a contrast medium for other reasons, e.g. due to a kidney dysfunction.