
Non-Invasive Arterial Testing in New Jersey
Arterial disease frequently develops silently — before symptoms appear and before significant damage has occurred. Non-invasive arterial testing allows our cardiologists and vascular specialists at Cross County Cardiology to assess the health and patency of your arteries through safe, painless diagnostic studies that require no needles, catheters, or radiation. Early detection means earlier intervention and better outcomes.
What Is Non-Invasive Arterial Testing?
Non-invasive arterial testing refers to a group of diagnostic studies that evaluate blood flow, vessel wall health, and arterial pressures throughout the vascular system — all without entering the body. These tests typically combine Doppler ultrasound technology (which measures blood flow velocity) with physiologic measurements such as blood pressure at multiple limb segments. Results are available the same day and interpreted by our board-certified physicians.
Arterial Studies We Perform
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
The ABI compares blood pressure measured at the ankle to pressure measured at the arm. A normal ABI is between 1.0 and 1.4. Values below 0.90 indicate peripheral arterial disease (PAD), with lower values corresponding to more severe disease. The ABI is the primary screening test for PAD and is also used to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
Lower Extremity Arterial Duplex Ultrasound
This study maps the arteries of the legs from the aortoiliac segment down to the tibial vessels. Using real-time imaging and color Doppler, we can identify the location and severity of stenoses, assess plaque characteristics, and evaluate collateral blood flow. It is essential for patients with claudication, non-healing wounds, or abnormal ABI results.
Carotid Duplex Ultrasound
The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain, and stenosis of these vessels is a leading cause of stroke. Carotid duplex imaging visualizes the vessel wall for plaque and measures flow velocities to quantify the degree of narrowing. It is recommended for patients with TIA symptoms, bruits on examination, or multiple stroke risk factors.
Renal Artery Duplex
When difficult-to-control hypertension or unexplained deterioration in kidney function suggests renal artery stenosis, duplex ultrasound of the renal arteries provides valuable diagnostic information without the risks of contrast dye or radiation associated with CT or conventional angiography.
Abdominal Aortic Duplex
Ultrasound of the abdominal aorta is used to screen for and monitor abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). One-time screening is recommended for men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked, and for individuals with a first-degree relative with AAA.
Who Should Have Arterial Testing?
Non-invasive arterial evaluation is recommended for patients with:
- Leg pain, cramping, or fatigue with walking (claudication)
- Cool, pale, or discolored legs or feet
- Non-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet or lower legs
- Diabetes with any lower extremity symptoms
- Known or suspected PAD
- History of smoking with multiple cardiovascular risk factors
- TIA or stroke symptoms
- Difficult-to-control hypertension
Schedule Your Arterial Evaluation in New Jersey
Cross County Cardiology offers comprehensive non-invasive arterial testing at our locations across Hudson and Bergen County. Call (551) 373-9007 to schedule your vascular evaluation. Results are reviewed personally by your cardiologist and incorporated into your individualized care plan.
