Screenings

Vascular Screening

Vascular screenings are offered at Bay Area Medical Center regularly.

Click here to see the most current scheduled vascular screen events.

Whether it’s a mammogram, colonoscopy or blood test, don’t you feel better afterwards knowing the results? Usually they’re good, but even if they aren’t, you and your doctor are armed with information you can use to proactively plan your next steps.

However, there are some conditions that are often not part of screening programs which, if undetected, can result in a strokes abdominal aortic aneurysm or peripheral artery disease.

• Strokes are the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of long term disability. Over 700,000 people have strokes each year and in half those cases the patient didn’t show any symptoms and one in three were caused by carotid artery blockage.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. It is estimated that over a million people live with an undiagnosed and that 95% of those could be successfully treated if it is detected early enough.
• Peripheral Artery Disease, what used to be known as hardening of the arteries, is a common condition affecting nearly 12 million Americans. It not only affects the quality of your life by making walking a painful chore, but indicates a four to five times greater chance for heart disease.

What do these all have in common?

They strike without warning, they have serious or deadly consequences, and your risk for each can be identified early through a series of simple and affordable screening tests.

In an effort to make it easier for you to know your condition, Bay Area Medical Center now offers a package of three screening tests:

• Carotid Artery Ultrasound
  The carotid arteries are the main blood supply lines to the brain. If a blockage occurs in these arteries, it can significantly increase the risk of stroke. Testing is performed by an ultrasound tech. They use an ultrasound transducer that is moved around the neck to create a clear picture of the inside of the arteries.
• Abdominal Ultrasound
  The aorta is the largest artery in the body, supplying blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs. An abdominal enlargement caused by a weakening of the wall of the wall of the artery is called an aneurysm. There are often little or no symptoms of this condition and if it ruptures it can be fatal. The ultrasound tech uses an ultrasound transducer to move across the abdomen to create a clear picture of the aorta.
• Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
  Arteries can become blocked in the legs, resulting in decreased blood flow. This can limit the ability to walk as well as other complications. The ABI is performed by using several blood pressure cuffs placed on the ankles and arms.

These scheduled screenings are all done in the BAMC Screening Clinic in the hospital (3130 Shore Drive Suite 106). The tests are performed by licensed ultrasound technologists following physician established protocols. They take about a half hour, are painless and require you to do no more than remove your shoes and socks.

You will receive your test results immediately, and a copy will also be sent to your doctor. One of our Screening Navigators who will provide you with health information materials can also discuss with you what you should do next with your results. If a problem is identified through the screening you and your doctor can take action to further diagnose and treat your condition.

Who should consider these screens?

If you have any of these, you may be at risk for a stroke or coronary artery disease and may want to consider these screenings:

• Over 50, years old
• Immediate family history of stroke or heart disease
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Being overweight or obese

These tests do not require a doctor’s referral. Convenient appointments may be made directly with the hospital scheduling department by calling 715.732.8282 any time Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. The cost of all three screenings is only $90. Schedule your screen today. Isn't it better to know?

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