Preparation
This painless test examines your aorta, which is the large artery that carries newly oxygenated blood from your heart to your body. Dr. Moore orders this test to determine if your aorta is narrowing, has a bulge (aneurysm), or has blockages.

To prepare for this test, you must fast three hours prior to the test. You can, however, drink water. Do not wear bath gels, body perfumes, body lotions or colognes above the waist on the day of the test. You can, however, wear deodorant. Women should wear shorts or slacks, rather than a dress, because the test will require that you remove your shirt.

Test
During this test, which takes about 30 minutes, you'll lie on a bed or examination table. The technician will apply a gel to your abdomen. She'll then slide a tool called a transducer back and forth across your abdomen. The gel helps the transducer slide and transmit sound waves. The test works by sending sound waves to the aorta. The waves reflect back allowing the technician to obtain images of the blood flow in your aorta. If a problem is found, Dr. Moore will work with you to develop a care plan to address the issue.