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As of June 2009, asymptomatic patients can have this potentially life-saving exam right here in Alaska

Screening ultrasounds differ from diagnostic ultrasounds in that screening ultrasounds identify the presence of disease (not the extent of the disease) in the abdominal aorta, carotids and leg arteries.  An estimated 20 to 30 million Americans are at risk for various vascular diseases, including stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid artery disease and aortic aneurysms. And according to the AVA, vascular disease outside the heart causes almost as much death and disability as heart disease, and more than any cancer.  A "package" of three screening tests is available for patients that includes:

Abdominal Aorta Vascular Ultrasound screens for Aortic Aneurysm. Aortic aneurysm is a weakening in the wall of the aorta, which is the main artery in the chest and abdomen. This weakening can cause the artery to rupture causing possible death. Often there are no signs or symptoms of an aortic aneurysm until it ruptures. Risk factors for aortic aneurysms are: over age 60; family history of Aortic Aneurysms; smoking; high blood pressure; and more common in men than women.

Carotid Vascular Ultrasound looks at the arteries in the neck for Carotid Artery Disease. Carotid Artery Disease occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that take blood to the brain, develop a buildup of plaque caused by hardening of the arteries. When this build up becomes severe it can cause a stroke. Risk factors for strokes are: high blood pressure; diabetes; smoking; high cholesterol, family history of stroke; and irregular heartbeat, particularly atrial fibrillation.

Leg Vascular Ultrasound looks for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD is a condition in which plaque builds up along the walls of the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs affecting blood circulation. People with PAD are three times more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than those without PAD. Risk factors for PAD are: high blood pressure; diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, family history of serious vascular problems; and more common in men than women.

To schedule this screening test, call 212-3151 during our normal scheduling hours, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri.  Please send us a written order with "vascular screening ultrasound" as the reason, and we'll send the results to you.  The test is not typically covered by the patient's insurance, and would be a "self pay" charge of about $325.00.

Want to know more?  Call, click or visit today.  We offer this exam in our Anchorage Imaging Center.