The key to preventing cardiovascular disease, also called coronary artery disease (CAD), is managing your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol or high blood glucose. But how do you know which risk factors you have? The best way to find out is through screening tests during regular doctor visits.
Regular cardiovascular screening is important because it helps you detect risk factors in their earliest stages. Few people have ideal risk levels on all screening tests. However, if you do have test results that are less than ideal, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop a serious cardiovascular disease. On the contrary, it means you’re in position to begin changing your health in a positive way. Star Wellness offers the following screenings that are available onsite:
CAROTID ARTERIAL SCREENING
Using the state-of-the-art SonoSite Turbo, this screening is a painless, non-invasive ultrasound of your carotid arteries to check for plaque formation. Carotid blockage accounts for 80% of all strokes, 50-75% of which could be prevented with screening and education.
ABDOMINAL AORTA SCREENING
The Aorta is the main artery (blood vessel) in your body. Coming out of the heart, the aorta travels down the center of the chest, into the abdomen and splits into the two arteries that supply blood to the legs. This screening is a quick and painless ultrasound of the abdominal area. The aorta should measure less than three centimeters in width. When the aorta measures greater than 3 cm, an aneurysm is suspected. An aortic aneurysm is a generalized enlargement or bulging in an area(s) of the aorta and is 85% fatal if not detected.
ANKLE BRACHIAL INDEX SCREENING
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition similar to Coronary Artery Disease, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries restricting blood flow. Using Ultrasound Doppler, we measure the systolic pressure of the brachial artery in the upper arms and the ankle artery in the legs. The results are then calculated using a mathematical ratio to determine if there is any reduction in blood flow to the extremities.
Finally…
You will probably require additional and more frequent testing if you’ve been diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation, or if you have a history of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular events. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a condition, your doctor may want more stringent screening if you already have risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Using the state-of-the-art SonoSite Turbo, these screening is a painless, non-invasive ultrasound of your carotid arteries to check for plaque formation. Carotid blockage accounts for 80% of all strokes, 50-75% of which could be prevented with screening and education. Contact us if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.
(Some information provided The American Heart Association).
