Nine in ten cardiovascular doctors support vascular screening for people with risk factors
(BPT) – Nine out of ten cardiovascular doctors support preventive health screenings for cardiovascular disease (plaque in the arteries) among patients with key risk factors. Examples of key risk factors may include being age 55 or over, family history, tobacco use, and high blood pressure. This research was done by an independent research firm called Ebiquity, conducted on behalf of Life Line Screening. Preventive screenings by Life Line Screening may be the essential preventive health care tool you’re missing.
What is a vascular screening?
Vascular screenings check the body’s arteries for a buildup of fatty deposits. Build-up in the arteries (called atherosclerosis) can make it difficult for blood to flow as intended and cause further health complications such as heart attack and stroke. Vascular screening can help patients and their doctors identify these issues before they become a serious problem.
During a screening, a trained technologist uses ultrasound to capture pictures of the patient’s arteries in several places in the body, including the neck, abdomen and lower legs. Identifying plaque build-up and patterns of blood flow provides the patient with important information that lets him or her know if there is an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Knowing this early lets the patient and his or her doctor put preventive strategies, like medication and lifestyle changes, in place.
What would your screening say about you?
Preventive health screenings are easy, convenient and affordable
Preventive health screenings are not only an important step to maintain good overall health, they’re also easy and affordable. Most screening appointments, which look at the arteries in your neck (the carotid arteries), stomach (for an abdominal aortic aneurysm), and legs (for peripheral arterial disease) are completed in about one hour to ninety minutes. Screenings take place in nearby community buildings such as churches, health centers and libraries, and costs are low.
In an effort to promote the value of these screenings and other preventive health efforts, health care professionals surveyed in the research almost unanimously supported hospital participation in community events where the message could reach the public and health conscious people – just like you.
To learn more about the benefits of health screening tests and how you can set up your own screening, visit Lifelinescreening.com.