|
Stroke
Plus Screening
(309)
836-1584
Why
screen for stroke and vascular disease?
MDH wants
you to be as healthy as possible. One goal in accomplishing
this is to lower the number of strokes that occur and result
in death or disability. Given the impact of stroke, it is
important that you know about the disease, risk factors, prevention
and detection. Through healthy lifestyle changes and early
detection, you can prevent a stroke from occurring. This screening
program will provide non-invasive, painless tests that can
quickly detect arterial abnormalities, which can cause irregular
blood flow leading to stroke, aneurysm and vascular disease.
What
is a stroke?
A stroke or "brain attack" occurs when blood flow
to the brain is blocked or restricted by a blood clot or some
other substance. Every 53 seconds, someone in America has
a stroke and every 3.3 minutes, someone dies of one. It is
estimated that half of these strokes occurred without symptoms.
Of the estimated 600,000 strokes that occur each year, a staggering
75% could have been prevented.
What
is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
AAA is caused by a breakdown of the lining of the abdominal
aorta artery. As the lining gets weaker, the artery wall becomes
thinner and expands. This expansion is an aneurysm which can
rupture and cause bleeding. Such aneurysms can be repaired,
but unfortunately many aneurysms show no symptoms before they
rupture. AAA is considered a "silent killer," with
approximately 25,000 individuals dying from it each year.
Return
to top
What
is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)?
PVD is a blockage or restriction of blood flow to your limbs
caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or buildup
of plaque.
Who
should participate in a stroke screening?
Conditions and behaviors that put one at risk for stroke or
vascular disease include: family history, being age 50 or
older, excessive body weight, high blood pressure, smoking,
excessive alcohol intake, high cholesterol, heart disease,
atrial fibrillation (rapid, irregular heart beat), diabetes,
previous stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini
stroke). If you have any of these risk factors, you would
be a good candidate for a stroke screening. You may also want
to consult your physician.
Return
to top
How
often will MDH offer a stroke screening?
The stroke screening program will be offered three times at MDH in 2008:
March 13, July 10, and November 13.
Do
I need to pre-register for the screening?
Yes, you will need to make an appointment by calling MDH Outreach
Services at (309)836-1584
Return
to top
What
are my test options?
A. Cholesterol Test: Prior to the screening date, you
can go directly to the MDH Lab to have your blood drawn. Contact
MDH Outreach Services for specific dates. When you arrive
in Lab, let them know you will be participating in the upcoming
Stroke Screening. You will receive the results the day of
the screening.
B.
Carotid Duplex: An acoustic gel is applied to your neck
and a wand is moved around your neck to image the arteries
in order to visualize the plaque buildup and measure the velocity
of the blood flow through your arteries. Up to 75% of all
strokes are related to blockage of the carotid arteries in
the neck. This test screens for narrowing of the carotid arteries
due to the buildup of plaque on the artery wall.
C.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasound: This screening test
is performed to visualize the existence of an aneurysm (enlargement)
in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic
artery. An acoustic gel is applied to the abdomen and a wand
is used to visualize the aorta.
D.
Ankle Brachial Index: This test screens for arterial disease
in the lower extremities by using blood pressure cuffs and
an ultrasound Doppler transducer on your arms and ankles.
What
should I wear to the screening?
A short-sleeved shirt and pants are the best attire for these
types of tests. You will be asked to remove your shoes and
socks for the ankle brachial index test, so women are advised
not to wear pantyhose.
Return
to top
Do
I need to fast before the tests?
If you choose to have a cholesterol test you will need
to fast 12 hours before coming to the MDH Laboratory to
have your blood drawn. This test must be completed at
least 2 days prior to the screening day. The day of the
screening it is required that you fast for 4-6 hours before
the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ultrasound in order to get
the most accurate reading. The other tests do not require
fasting.
How
long will the screening take?
The risk appraisal and blood pressure/heart rate measurement
will take about 20 minutes. The three ultrasound tests (carotid
duplex, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and ankle brachial index)
and the mini-consultation with a health educator, will take
approximately 10 minutes each. You should allow one hour if
you choose to participate in the entire screening.
Return
to top
How
much does each test cost?
The cholesterol test is $25; the three ultrasound tests are
$40.00 each (if you participate in all three tests, the total
cost will be $100 - a $20 savings); the lifestyle appraisal,
blood pressure/heart rate measurement and mini-consultation
are free of charge. Payment is due the day of the screening.
Will
insurance cover the cost of these tests?
Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of preventative
screening tests. MDH does not file insurance claims for the
screening.
Return
to top
Is
there a reliable web site I can visit to find out more about
stroke and vascular disease?
You can visit the National Stroke Association web site at
www.stroke.org.
Who
should I call for more information or to make an appointment?
Contact MDH Outreach Services at (309) 836-1584.
Return
to top
|
