According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, millions of Americans are unaware that they have risk factors for stroke, or that they may be at serious risk of death from vascular disorders. You may say to yourself, “I feel fine, I don’t need to be screened”. These diseases generally have no symptoms until a catastrophic event occurs, such as a stroke or ruptured aneurysm. In fact, half of all stroke victims have no prior symptoms. The professionals of the Vascular Health Alliance routinely identify individuals with moderate to severe risk factors for stroke who have no apparent symptoms and appear to be in good physical health.
Be proactive about your health and call 1-877-GHS INFO (447- 4636) today to schedule a vascular prevention screening appointment. The appointment last about thirty minutes – that’s thirty minutes to give you peace of mind or to save your life. While many traditional methods can help identify those at risk for vascular disease, we have customized an ultrasound screening for each condition. The Greenville Hospital System (GHS) Vascular Health Alliance is providing vascular lab screenings for a fee of just $40 per exam. All four exams would be $160. We offer these four screenings:
• a carotid screening for stroke prevention
• an abdominal screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm
• an ankle brachial index for peripheral arterial disease
• a cholesterol and glucose screening for a full lipid and glucose reading
(The cholesterol and glucose screening is scheduled in the morning only. Please do not eat or drink anything prior the morning of the screening.)
Appointments are limited and required, so we urge you to contact the Vascular Health Alliance today by calling 1-877 GHS INFO (447-4636) to schedule your 15-30 minute screening. No physician order is required. Payment is expected at the time of service. However, if you have been previously diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and are under the care of a vascular surgeon or cardiologist, then this screening does not apply.
Please note that insurance will not be filed regarding these preventive screenings, payment is expected at time of service.
For more information and to schedule your screening date, call 1-877-GHS INFO (447-4636).
All screenings will take place at:
Vascular Health Alliance
200 Patewood Drive, Building C
Third Floor
Greenville, South Carolina
(864) 454- VASC (454-8272)
Why You Should Have Each Screening
Carotid Screening: $40
Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death and the primary cause for long-term disability. Admission to nursing homes and ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries is the single best predictor of stroke and heart disease.
The Vascular Health Alliance utilizes advanced Color Doppler Ultrasound, the same painless and non-radioactive technology used to view the fetus of a pregnant woman. Ultrasound allows us to look into the carotid arteries for plaque build-up and monitor blood flow velocity. Blood flow velocity is important because it helps to identify narrowing of the arteries. As your arteries narrow the speed of your blood increases, much like a river increases in speed as it narrows.
This is a painless procedure in which a technologist begins by applying an acoustic gel to the sides of your neck. An instrument called a transducer is then moved over the surface of your neck to evaluate your carotid arteries. Images and measurements are collected and saved for review by a board certified physician.
Like other diseases we screen for, stroke and carotid artery disease often develop without symptoms and are best prevented and managed when identified early. Our screenings provide valuable and potentially life-saving information that should be shared with your physician.
What is Stroke?
Stroke is a devastating disease that takes the lives of 160,000 Americans annually and leaves many more with long term mental and physical disability. A stroke can occur in a variety of ways; however, 87% of all strokes occur due to clots that block arteries in the brain. carotid Artery Disease is the leading cause of these clots.
The carotid arteries are the large blood vessels on either side of the neck that supply blood to the head and brain. Carotid artery disease develops as plaque quietly accumulates over time within these arteries. Plaque build-up can begin as early as childhood and often occurs without symptoms until it breaks loose and is carried to smaller arteries in the brain causing a stroke. Unfortunately, half of all stroke victims had no symptoms to indicate they were at risk for stroke. The good news is that if identified early, up to 80% of strokes can be prevented!
It is important to note that studies have shown that those with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in the carotid arteries are not only at a higher risk for stroke, but also a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening: $40
In up to 90% of cases, this serious medical emergency causes death within minutes or shortly after arrival to the hospital.
Currently, the safest and best method to screen for AAA is ultrasound. Ultrasound is non-invasive, non-radioactive and accurate. The Vascular Surgery Alliance uses advanced Color Doppler Ultrasound to visualize the aorta and take measurements at various points to identify any bulging in the aortic wall. Our ultrasound technologist applies an acoustic gel on your abdomen. A painless instrument called a transducer is moved around your stomach to visualize the abdominal aorta. All results are then reviewed by a board certified vascular specialist.
The best defense against AAA is early diagnosis. Beginning at about age 60, every male should get an ultrasound examination to test for the presence of aortic aneurysms.
Like other diseases that we screen for, AAA’s are best prevented through early identification. There are varied treatment options with high success rates for those detected early. However, if left to rupture, the consequences are usually deadly. Our screenings can provide your physician with valuable information about your health and you with peace of mind.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
The aorta is the largest blood vessel and its purpose is to carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A healthy aorta is about the diameter of a garden hose with walls that are strong and flexible, allowing it to maintain its shape when under the pressures of the blood flow.
An aneurysm occurs when the aortic wall weakens, causing it to balloon, much like a weak spot in an old worn out tire. The weakened aorta bulges outward becoming large, thin and fragile. Although an aneurysm can develop anywhere along the aorta, the large majority occur in the belly area (abdominal aorta). This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. High blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), genetic conditions, and normal wear and tear from aging can result in a weakened aortic wall and lead to an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms often have no symptoms, making them difficult to detect through routine examination. Undetected and untreated abdominal aortic aneurysms can have fatal consequences. Ruptured AAA's cause excruciating pain and massive amounts of blood to be pumped into the abdominal cavity.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening: $40
PAD is a major public health threat affecting 10-12 million Americans and requires greater screening through the use of the Ankle-Brachial Index.
PAD is screened for using a painless test called the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). This test is performed by placing blood pressure cuffs on the arms and ankles. The difference in blood pressures in your arms and legs is used to create a ratio, the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), and will identify most cases of peripheral artery disease.
Like other diseases screened for, peripheral artery disease often develops without symptoms and is best prevented and managed when identified early. This valuable information should be shared with your physician for his or her use, in conjunction with other risk factors, to best manage your health.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease occurs as the arteries in the legs narrow and harden. This serious disease is most commonly caused by plaque build-up which can restrict blood flow and cause pain when walking. If left untreated, PAD can cause gangrene and amputation. Additionally, people with PAD are likely to have blocked arteries in other areas of the body, making them 4-6 times more likely to die from stroke or heart attack.