Vascular
Vascular Screenings
RMH Heart and Vascular Center offers vascular screenings to help increase awareness of vascular disease and to reduce the risk of stroke, abdominal aneurysm and peripheral artery disease (PAD) to high-risk individuals age 50 and older. The program is currently offered at several locations throughout the community, providing you with important health information and convenience of location. Visit our Calendar of Events page for upcoming dates of screenings.
What is a vascular screening?
The purpose of a vascular screening is:
- To screen for blockages in the blood vessels of the neck (carotid arteries) that may lead to stroke;
- To screen for a heart rhythm irregularity that may also lead to stroke;
- To screen for an aneurysm, or enlargement, of the aorta (large blood vessel in abdomen) that may rupture and cause death; and
- To screen for blockages in the blood vessels in the legs that may cause disabling pain when walking.
Who should get a screening?
People who are 50 years or older with known cardiovascular disease or risk factors (history of high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol).
What does a vascular screening entail?
A vascular screening takes approximately 50 minutes and is performed by trained vascular technologists and health educators. A non-invasive ultrasound is used to screen for carotid artery disease and an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Blood pressure is measured in the arms and legs to screen for PAD. An electrocardiogram is used to screen for atrial fibrillation (heart rhthym irregularity).
Where can I receive a vascular screening?
Screenings are $50, and registration is required; please visit our Calendar of Events page, or call RMH HealthSource at 800-433-4580. Registration closes at noon the Friday prior to the screening.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, either because of a clot or because of a leak or rupture in a blood vessel. When this happens, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells soon begin to die. Early treatment of stroke can mean the difference between life and death and can also help minimize damage to brain cells.
Did you know?
- 90% of strokes are caused by blockage in the carotid artery
- Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Someone dies of a stroke every 3 to 4 minutes.
- Strokes cause 1 out of 10 deaths worldwide.
- There are 700,000 strokes annually—one every 45 seconds.
- Stroke is the leading cause of permanent adult disability.
- 46,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
Warning signs of stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden change in vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Call 911 immediately if you have one or more of these symptoms.
Risk factors for stroke
- Smoking
- Irregular heart rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation)
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Family history of stroke
- Prior stroke
Diagnostic testing
Generally, an ultrasound is used initially to diagnose blockage in the carotid arteries. If you have
questions about stroke, or your risk of stroke, talk to your healthcare provider.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD is a common circulatory problem in which fatty deposits build up on the inner linings of artery walls, reducing blood flow to the limbs. This can cause leg pain when walking or exercising. People with PAD also often have fatty buildup in the arteries of the heart and brain; therefore, they are at greater risk for suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Did you know?
- PAD affects about 12-20 percent of Americans 65 years and older.
- People with PAD are four to five times more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than
those without PAD.
- PAD is more common in men than in women.
- Treatment significantly improves circulation in more than 90 percent of cases
Warning signs of PAD
- Leg pain or cramping (claudication) with walking or exercise that stops with rest and returns with activity
- Pain in the ball of the foot or toes
- Nighttime foot pain that improves when hanging your foot over the side of bed
- Ulcers or sores on the foot, ankle or toes that will not heal
- Blue or black discoloration of the toes
Risk factors for PAD
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Coronary artery disease
- Family history of serious vascular problems
Diagnostic testing
- Blood pressure measurements in arm and leg (ABI)
- Doppler exams (sound wave test)
- Arteriogram (injection of dye in blood vessels in the legs)
- Other imaging tests (CT or MR scan)
If you have PAD symptoms, or if you have questions about this condition and treatment options, talk to
your healthcare provider.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
An aortic aneurysm is a weakened and bulging area in the aorta—one of the body’s largest blood vessels that runs through the center of the body. Aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta, but they occur most frequently in the abdominal section. Because the aorta carries so much of the body’s blood, a ruptured aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Did you know?
- Nearly 200,000 people are diagnosed with an AAA each year.
- A ruptured AAA is the 13th leading cause of death in the U.S.
- More than 15,000 Americans die each year from ruptured aneurysms.
- Men are five times more likely than women to have an aneurysm.
Warning signs of AAA
Most people have no symptoms at the time an AAA is discovered. Many AAAs are detected by tests conducted for unrelated reasons.
People who do experience symptoms describe:
- A pulsing feeling in the abdomen
- Unexplained, severe pain in the abdomen or lower back
If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Risk factors for AAA
- Men over age 55
- Women over age 65
- Family history of AAA
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Other forms of blood vessel disease
Diagnostic testing
Generally, an ultrasound, MRI or a CT scan is used to diagnose AAA. If you have questions about AAA,
or your risk of AAA, talk to your healthcare provider.
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