On Monday, May 23rd, Parkridge Medical Center will offer AngioScreen® - a simple, non-invasive vascular screening designed to provide men and women with information about heart rhythm, neck and leg artery blockage, blood pressure, and body mass index in addition to an overall fitness assessment.
Each hour, 100 American lives are claimed by vascular disease, a form of cardiovascular disease that primarily attacks the blood vessels and is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Vascular disease occurs when calcium deposits or fats build up in the arteries, narrowing the vessels to the point where blood cannot pass through. When the vessels in the heart become narrowed or blocked, it can cause a person to have a heart attack. When the vessels that carry blood to the brain are blocked, it can lead to a stroke.
“The AngioScreen is a useful tool - in less than 15 minutes, men and women can get information about their circulation and learn more about their personal risk for heart attack or stroke,” notes Barry Bell, director of the Parkridge Heart Center.
AngioScreen® measures Ankle Brachial Index, which is a screening test for blockages in the arteries that go to the legs. It is normally not performed by doctors unless patients are symptomatic. Immediately following the AngioScreen®, individuals will receive a consultation in addition to a color ultrasound picture and printout, and a digital record showing a picture of their carotid arteries.
The AngioScreen costs $50 and is covered by many flexible spending accounts. Participants can also opt to add on an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening for an additional $30. For more information or to schedule a screening, call MedLine at (800) 242-5662.