What:  Your Vascular screening includes an ultrasound exam of the carotid arteries (arteries that carry blood to the brain) and the abdominal artery (main artery to the abdomen and legs). An Ankle Brachial Exam (ABI) is computed using blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs, and measures any blood pressure differences between the arms and the legs. A large difference can be an indicator of vascular disease. There is no pain or discomfort associated with the exam and it takes approximately 30 minutes. Within 2 weeks after the exam, you will receive a report from a physician.

Where and When: Various locations in the Valley. 
Call (956) 389-4848 to schedule an appointment.

Who: Adult diabetics and adults with heart disease are often at an increased risk for peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The risk of PVD is also increased for people who smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure or are over the age of 50.

Why: Approximately 8-12 million people in the United States suffer from peripheral vascular disease. PVD is generally under diagnosed, and can lead to stroke, acute leg pain when attempting to walk or even instant death in the case of a ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm.

PVD is similar to heart disease in that the arteries supplying the body with blood become narrowed by a build up of cholesterol, blocking the flow of blood to specific areas of the body. Because nearly half the people with PVD have no symptoms, screenings are important since those suffering from this disease are four to six times more likely to die of a heart attack.