Vascular Screenings Save Lives

Screening tests for vascular disease are now available at The Jewish Hospital without a prescription.

$99 (payable by check, cash or credit card)

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 513-686-3250.
The tests take approximately 15-20 minutes and are noninvasive and painless.

Why should I be screened?

If you have any of the following risk factors, you may be at risk for vascular disease:

• Family history of stroke, aneurysm, circulation disorders
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Prior stroke
• High blood pressure
• Circulation problems
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Leg muscle pain with walking
• Age 50 or older

For $99 total, these screening tests are performed:

Carotid artery ultrasound (to check for risk of stroke)

The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. Over time, fatty deposits and plaque can severely narrow or completely block blood flow to the brain, resulting in a stroke. Stroke is the third cause of death and disability in the United States.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the body. Vascular disease may weaken the artery wall resulting in dilation, or aneurysm, which can be fatal. Approximately 15,000 people die each year when aneurysms of the abdominal aorta rupture.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Deposits of plaque in the large arteries of the legs can block the blood supply to the legs, resulting in pain with walking (claudication). As the disease progresses, the distances that can be walked without pain grow shorter.

How are the tests performed?

Carotid screening

You will lie on your back as a technician runs an ultrasound device along the sides of your neck. Images of the artery and measurements of blood flow are obtained.

AAA screening

The technician places the ultrasound probe against the skin of your abdomen. A picture of the diameter of the aorta is taken.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. The technician will place blood pressure cuffs around
your ankles and arms and measure the blood pressure in both. A calculation is made comparing ankle pressure to arm pressure.

Are there any preparations?

Yes.
The abdominal aortic aneurysm screening requires you to fast six hours prior to the exam. Continue to take all medications that your doctor has prescribed. Some clothing may need to be removed prior to some of the examinations and you will need to lie on an exam table for the tests.

How are the results provided?

You will be given a preliminary report by the technologist, and the tests will be reviewed by a board-certified vascular physician. A final report will be sent to your physician.

What is vascular disease, and how is it treated?

Vascular disease includes any condition that affects your circulatory system, such as peripheral artery disease. This ranges from diseases of your arteries, veins and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation.

Treatment for vascular disease may include lifestyle change, medication and surgery.

Accreditation

The Jewish Hospital Vascular Lab has been accredited since 1991.

The Jewish Hospital is located in Kenwood, at 4777 East Galbraith Road.