Did you know that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for adults in the U.S.? Thankfully, vascular screenings starting at age 50 can help check your risks and ensure you get much-needed treatment to protect your health. They address heart health as well as the health of your vascular system to ensure your overall well-being.
Vascular screenings are tests to check the health of your blood vessels and arteries. At Vascular Surgical Associates, we specifically look at the health of your carotid artery, peripheral arteries, and abdominal aorta to determine your risks. Those with risk factors for vascular diseases are good candidates for testing. You can help protect your heart health by making positive lifestyle changes.
What Are Vascular Screenings?
Vascular screenings are essential assessments that evaluate the health and functionality of your blood vessels and arteries, which collectively form the vascular component of the cardiovascular system. This system is responsible for circulating blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.
During your scheduled vascular screening at Vascular Surgical Associates, we use non-invasive techniques like ultrasound and Doppler imaging to examine the blood flow and structure of your arteries and veins. These screenings aim to detect early warning signs of cardiovascular diseases such as:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Peripheral artery disease
They also assess for conditions like abdominal aortic aneurysms, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Early detection through vascular screenings is crucial because it enables prompt medical intervention and lifestyle modifications to manage or mitigate risks. By identifying issues like plaque buildup, narrowing arteries, or weakened vessel walls early on, you can take proactive steps to improve your cardiovascular health.
This might include:
- Medication
- Dietary changes
- Exercise programs
In some cases, surgical interventions to prevent complications and enhance overall quality of life. Vascular screenings thus play a pivotal role in preventive healthcare, empowering individuals to address potential health problems before they become more serious.
What Is Involved in Vascular Screening?
At Vascular Surgical Associates, we offer screenings related to three specific vascular conditions:
- Carotid artery disease
- Peripheral arterial aneurysm
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Vascular screening costs can vary depending on how many you get. They are $35 individually but you can get all three for $100.
Carotid Artery Disease
Vascular screening for carotid artery disease assesses the health of the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain. This screening uses ultrasound to detect any fatty deposits, narrowing, or blockages in these arteries, which are located in the neck.
Identifying such issues early is crucial for preventing strokes, as asymptomatic narrowing can be detected before it causes problems. If a significant blockage is found, treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgical interventions to restore proper blood flow. Regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and improve overall vascular health.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Vascular screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a non-invasive procedure designed to detect blockages or narrowing in the arteries of the legs, which can impede blood flow. PAD is a condition where arterial plaque affects blood flow in the extremities, such as the legs and feet.
Screening helps identify PAD early, enabling timely interventions to prevent complications like:
- Pain
- Mobility issues
- Amputation
This early detection is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing severe outcomes. Interventions can include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore proper blood flow.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Vascular screening for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is essential for detecting the enlargement or ballooning of the abdominal aorta—the major blood vessel supplying blood to the lower body. AAA occurs when the arterial wall gradually balloons, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of a potentially life-threatening rupture. Early detection through AAA screening is crucial, as the condition is often life-threatening and frequently goes undetected until it is too late.
Do I Need a Vascular Screening?
You should consider getting a vascular screening if you have risk factors for a vascular disorder. This includes a family history of aneurysm, PAD, or stroke. Screenings should begin during your 30s if you have a family history, especially if other risk factors are present.
Common risk factors associated with complications include:
- Past or current high blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- A history of tobacco use
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High cholesterol
- High stress
- Diabetes
You may also be advised to get a vascular screening if you’re experiencing an issue such as unexplained chest pain. Other tests such as stress tests may be recommended along with your screening.
Be Proactive About Your Vascular Health
Vascular screenings are an important part of your vascular and overall health, especially if you are already at risk for vascular issues. The biggest benefit of vascular screenings is finding health problems you weren’t aware of. They are one of the few non-invasive and effective tools to establish your risk for certain conditions.
As data is gathered from your screenings, your doctor can recommend treatments to help avoid health problems later on. More screenings may be recommended later on to determine how the treatments are working.
Another way of being proactive is by protecting your heart health. For example, heart disease is more common than you may think. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease and avoid an appointment with a vascular surgeon.
You can get started by making simple changes to your lifestyle such as:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Getting exercise every day
- Limiting your alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing stress
- Quitting smoking
By making these positive lifestyle changes you will be helping protect yourself from vascular problems for years to come.
What To Expect During Your Vascular Screening in Evansville, IN
At Vascular Surgical Associates in Evansville, IN, we make scheduling a vascular screening by not requiring a referral. You can easily arrange an appointment by calling at your convenience.
When you come in, a vascular specialist will perform an initial evaluation to go over your medical background and discuss any vascular symptoms or issues you might be experiencing. The examination might involve non-surgical tests using advanced technology like the Siemens ACUSON Sequoia™ ultrasound system and state-of-the-art bi-directional Doppler Parks Flo-Lab arterial machines.
They will also conduct an initial assessment to go over your medical history and address any vascular symptoms or concerns you may have. The screening may involve non-invasive tests utilizing cutting-edge technology like the Siemens ACUSON Sequoia™ ultrasound system, renowned for its advanced imaging capabilities, and state-of-the-art bi-directional Doppler Parks Flo-Lab arterial machines.
A detailed report will be provided to ensure both you and your primary care provider understand your vascular health.
Vascular Surgical Associates are available for screenings without a referral. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to contact us or schedule an appointment.
Vascular screenings are an important tool for checking the health of your arteries and blood vessels. Our team specifically focuses on your abdominal aorta, carotid artery, and peripheral arteries to assess your risks. Good candidates for testing will have risk factors for vascular disease and can help protect themselves by making healthy lifestyle changes.
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231. We are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm if you would like to schedule an appointment.
