Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, but vascular disease outside the heart causes almost as much death and disability as heart disease, and more than any cancer.

The vascular laboratory now offers a vascular screening exam for the detection of arterial disease. This examination consists of three components:

1. Abdominal aortic evaluation to determine the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
2. Carotid artery duplex evaluation to determine the presence of significant carotid artery blockage.
3. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) via ankle/brachial indices to determine the presence of significant arterial blockage in the legs.

A registered vascular technologist performs examinations in an ICAVL-accredited vascular lab. Examination findings are reviewed and interpreted by vascular surgeons.

This examination is an optional “screening” procedure that is not reimbursable by insurance plans. It is not related to any other vascular examination, screening or complete evaluation, which may be payable by insurance, Medicare or other third-party payers.

For more information about this examination or to schedule an examination, contact the vascular lab at (916) 734-7025.

• Vascular disease can cause aneurysms of the aorta, the main artery of the body.
• Aortic aneurysms are the 10th leading cause of death in men over 50.
• Nearly 15,000 people die each year in this country from rupture of an aortic aneurysm.
• More than 700,000 people in this country have an undiagnosed aneurysm.

Screening and care

• Aortic aneurysms can be detected with a routine ultrasound scan.
• Larger, more threatening aneurysms can be cured with surgical treatment.
• Many aneurysms can be treated with less invasive endovascular techniques that require only a day or two in the hospital.

• Vascular disease can block the carotid arteries to the brain and cause paralyzing strokes.
• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Stroke is the leading cause of disability; our country annually spends more than $50 billion on care of stroke patients.

Screening and care

• Blockages in the carotid arteries can be detected with an ultrasound scan that takes only minutes.
• Patients with severe carotid artery disease have a higher risk of stroke.
• Surgical treatment is an effective way to prevent a stroke — better than currently available medicines in many cases.

• Poor circulation in the legs can cause serious disability or lead to amputation.
• This is especially common in smokers and people with diabetes.
• Up to 20 percent of people over 70 years of age have peripheral arterial disease.

Screening and care

• Blood-flow to the legs or arms can be measured accurately with a simple Doppler ultrasound exam.
• Medical treatments and lifestyle changes help symptoms and prevent complications.
• Surgery and endovascular therapies are effective treatments.