Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are currently the biggest killer affecting human health. The common risk factors leading to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the elderly include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and various unhealthy lifestyles.
Human blood vessels are not static and unchanging. They grow with the growth of the human body and also age with age. Just like the water and gas pipes in our homes, over time, the inner walls of the pipes will scale and rust, gradually leading to blockages and the inability to supply water and gas. The same goes for blood vessels. As people age, cholesterol and other components accumulate on the blood vessels, causing a decrease in the flexibility of the vessel walls, hardening of the blood vessels, obstruction of blood flow, and ultimately leading to cerebrovascular disease due to ischemia. This is the crux of why people in old age are prone to developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke. If the problem of arteriosclerosis can be detected early, intervention treatment can be carried out early, the progression of arteriosclerosis can be slowed down, and the incidence of adverse events can be reduced, which can improve the quality of life of the elderly. Ultrasound examination is a simple and effective method of examination.
1. Ultrasound electrocardiogram:
Echocardiography, abbreviated as echocardiography, is an important examination for observing the size, structure, function, and valve condition of the heart. It can provide a comprehensive understanding of heart function. Cardiac ultrasound belongs to dynamic observation and detection, so it can evaluate cardiac function. Observe the contraction function of the heart through instrument probes, analyze the movement of the ventricular wall, and understand whether it is coordinated. And it can also calculate the amount of blood output by each heartbeat of the heart, and register its specific value with the ejection fraction. This is very positive and effective for the overall evaluation of the heart, and it cannot be replaced by many examinations. At the same time, cardiac ultrasound can also monitor the condition of the pericardium and surrounding tissues. For example, once there is pericardial effusion in the body, it can effectively display the volume of pericardial effusion. If there is calcification or thickening of the pericardium, it can also be detected sensitively. Moreover, the aorta and pulmonary arteries around the heart can be visually displayed
2. Color ultrasound examination of subclavian artery:
Some studies have confirmed that the incidence of atherosclerosis in the beginning of the right subclavian artery is higher than that in the bifurcation of the carotid artery. However, at present, many physical examinations are only for carotid artery color ultrasound, but not for left subclavian artery color ultrasound, which misses the opportunity to detect the location of atherosclerosis in the early stage. Early color ultrasound examination of subclavian artery in people with risk factors can significantly improve the detection rate of early atherosclerosis, early intervention and treatment, and slow down the further development of atherosclerosis. It is possible that subclavian artery stenosis has already occurred, and early medical examination should be sought.
3. Carotid artery ultrasound examination:
Why should we pay attention to carotid artery ultrasound examination? The formation of carotid atherosclerotic plaque reflects the pathological changes of the whole blood vessels, and can predict the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and other vascular thrombosis diseases. A large number of studies have proved that carotid atherosclerotic plaque is closely related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
4. Renal artery ultrasound:
In today's society, more and more elderly people suffer from hypertension. Some patients with hypertension will also be accompanied by the formation of renal atherosclerotic plaque, or even renal artery stenosis. Conversely, renal artery stenosis is also a cause of refractory hypertension. Therefore, once the ultrasound doctor discovers severe renal artery stenosis through renal artery ultrasound examination, they can implant renal artery stents for treatment through interventional methods. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct renal artery color ultrasound examination for elderly hypertensive patients with atherosclerosis, especially for patients with refractory hypertension.