What is a vascular screening?

A vascular screening is an important tool to detect cardiovascular disease early in people who look or feel well.

Why get screened for vascular disease?

This screening helps you discover if you have certain conditions putting you at higher risk for stroke or heart disease. Risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes can damage the arteries in different parts of the body. When detected early, treatment and lifestyle modifications can lower your risk.

What tests are included?

• Carotid Artery Color Flow Ultrasound uses non-invasive ultrasound to detect plaque in the carotid arteries in the neck and identify blood-flow abnormalities.

• Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound is an ideal test for detecting an abdominal aortic aneurysm and estimating its size. Ultrasound screening visualizes the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body, and detects any enlargement.

• Ankle Brachial Index uses Doppler ultrasound to evaluate pressure and blood flow in leg arteries. A positive test indicates atherosclerotic plaque is slowing blood flow in the legs. The American Heart Association recommends this test to identify peripheral arterial disease, which indicates higher cardiovascular risk.