1. Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
The Role of Vascular Ultrasound

2. October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month
Join the Society for Vascular Ultrasound and help spread awareness in October
Educate
Send an educational card to friends or family to share facts about vascular disease and the impact of vascular ultrasound technology
Get Congress Involved
Use a prepared template letter to send to your local Governor or Mayor asking them to help raise awareness in your town
Be Social
Use infographics designed to share on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use images for your profile cover photos

3. Common Vascular Disease Numbers
Every year there are approximately 10 million cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
1 in every 20 Americans older than 50 have peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
General population awareness of PAD is estimated at 25%
Estimates suggest up to 100,000 Americans die of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and or pulmonary embolism (PE)
10% to 30% of people will die within one month of diagnosis of DVT/ PE
1/3 of people with DVT/PE will have a recurrence within 10 years
Up to 60% of VTE cases occur during or after hospitalization, making it a leading preventable cause of hospital death

4. Definitions of Common Vascular Diseases
DVT
DVT – Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in the deep venous system
PE – Pulmonary embolism is when a blood clot travels to the lungs
VTE – Venous thromboembolism, DVT+PE are collectively referred to as VTE
AAA – Abdominal aortic aneurysm is when the wall of the aorta weakens and bulges out
Varicose Veins – is when the valves are damaged and blood pools in the legs PE
VTE
AAA
Varicose Veins

5. Common Symptoms & Signs
DVT
Pain or tenderness, often starting in the calf
Swelling, including the ankle or foot
Redness or noticeable discoloration PE
Unexplained shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
Chest pain, may be worse upon deep breath
Rapid heart rate
Light headedness or passing out

6. What is Vascular Ultrasound?
Medical ultrasound (sonography) is a medical imaging modality that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image. Sound waves are safe and do not contain harmful radiation.
Vascular ultrasound is the specialty that interrogates the arteries and veins of the body. Combining ultrasound imaging with Doppler ultrasound technologies allows the vascular technologist to evaluate and record blood flow characteristics dynamically in real time.
The technology used is an important part of diagnosing vascular conditions including:
AAA
DVT
PAD
Varicose Veins
And more!

7. The Important Role of Vascular Ultrasound
A vascular sonographer or technologist performs non-invasive diagnostic examinations of the arteries and veins.
Examinations assess blood flow in the arteries checking for blood clots and blockages. The sonographer applies a water-soluble gel to the skin and uses a transducer to capture images. Images are then sent to the interpreting physician to create a report of findings.
The exams allow them to identify conditions ahead of time so they can be properly treated before becoming life threatening.

8. Well-known People Who Have Suffered from Vascular Disease
Albert Einstein, Famous Scientist
Brian Vickers, NASCAR Driver
Chris Bosh, NBA Player
David Bloom, Late NBC Reporter
Dick Cheney, Former U.S. Vice President
Jimmy Stewart , Late Actor
Regis Philbin , TV Show Talk host
Serena Williams, Professional Tennis Player

9. Society for Vascular Ultrasound
Make a difference and raise awareness for Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month.
Learn more today!

10. Sources Facts and Figures
Well-Known People who Suffered from Vascular Disease