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 A "package" of three screening tests is available for patients at Providence Imaging Center in Anchorage 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.