1. STROKE/CAROTID ARTERY SCREENING
2. HEART RHYTHM SCREENING (ATRIAL FIBRILLATION)
3. ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM SCREENING
4. PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL SCREENING
5. ECHOCARDIOGRAM (ULTRASOUND SCREENING OF THE HEART)
1. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term severe disability. The main cause of stroke is fatty plaque buildup in the carotid arteries that blocks blood flow to the brain. Ultrasound is used to detect the presence of this plaque and to evaluate the carotid arteries for changes in blood flow.
2. Atrial Fibrillation or A-Fib is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm or arhythmia. During A-Fib, the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly and irregularly so that blood is not completely pumped out of the heart. This can cause blood to collect in the heart and form a blood clot. If the clot travels to the brain, it will cause a stroke.
3. Ultrasound is used to screen for the presence of an aneurysm (enlarged artery) in the abdominal aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, traveling from your breastbone to the level of your navel. Medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and fatty plaque buildup, can weaken the walls of the aorta causing an enlargement or aneurysm. An aneurysm can form in any section of the aorta, but they are most common in the belly area(abdominal aorta).
4. This screening evaluates for peripheral arterial disease (buildup of plaque) in the legs. Peripheral arterial disease or PAD is a condition in which fatty plaque builds up in the arteries leading to the arms and legs. The gold standard is by using ultrasound to visualize plaque and access for blockages.
5. Ultrasound screening of the heart, non-invasive screening for overall cardiac function including chamber size, thickness of the walls, damage to heart walls, strength of contractions, valve function (leaks & narrowing) and fluid around the heart.