Vascular Testing - Vascular Screening
Vascular diseases such as stroke, peripheral artery disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm are the three most serious, non-cardiac related vascular diseases that afflict Americans. Early detection can help prevent life-threatening conditions or long-term disabilities.
What is vascular screening?
Vascular screening helps to detect blood vessel blockages or plaque buildup that puts a person at risk for aneurysm, stroke or other vascular diseases. The screening provides a good snapshot of what is going on in the blood vessels.
Inspiring Health Vascular Screenings are performed by a registered vascular technologist every Wednesday and Thursday morning, 8 a.m. to noon. Results are interpreted by board-certified radiologists. All screening results are mailed to the patient. Patients with abnormal screening results will be encouraged to meet with their personal physician for follow-up.
What test are performed?
Normal Aorta and Abdominal Aortic AneurysmNormal Aorta and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The screening consists of three separate exams:
- Carotid Ultrasound: scans for the build-up of fatty blockages, or plaque, in the carotid arteries in the neck. This condition may lead to a stroke.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: scans for a ballooning of the wall of the abdominal aorta, or aneurysm, which may rupture and be fatal. Many people do not know they have this condition.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): uses the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) to check for blockages, narrowing, and plaque buildup in the leg arteries. Abnormal results may indicate a high risk for coronary artery and peripheral arterial disease.
Who should be screened?
Anyone over age 55 or anyone over age 40 who has multiple risk factors, including:
- Family history of heart disease or stroke
- History of smoking
- High blood pressure
- Overweight
- High-stress levels
- Inactive lifestyle
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes