Diagnosis: Vascular Screenings

Scheduling a simple and painless vascular screening may be the most important  thing you do for your health if you are at risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or abdominal aortic aneurysm. PAD is a serious health risk factor for heart attack, sudden death and stroke.

Ten million Americans are at risk, and most aren't aware that they have PAD or an aortic aneurysm until it's too late. These diseases can be treated so early detection is important.

Schedule a screening
SMDC Heart & Vascular Center offers vascular screenings at clinics across the Northland. The three tests, which cost $60, are for people at risk of developing Peripheral Aterial Disease (PAD).
For an appointment, or screening dates at a location near you, call (218) 786-8318. 

We offer three vascular screenings:

Cartoid Artery Ultrasound detects stroke-causing plaque. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of adult disability. Approximately 750,000 strokes will occur this year, and 500,000 could be prevented if cartoid artery disease can be identified.

Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound detects aneurysms. An aneurysm is a weakening of the blood vessel -- it expands like a balloon. Most aortic aneurysms don't cause symptoms. In the worst case, an aneurysm can burst or rupture. This causes severe pain and bleeding. It often leads to death within minutes or hours. The only way to decrease the death rate is to identify and treat aortic aneurysms before they rupture.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) detects peripheral arterial disease. Eight million Americans have Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). People with PAD are at hight risk for heart attacks and stroke. Because walking causes leg pain, they are often limited in everyday activities. In severe cases, they are at risk for amputation.

Risk factors associated with PAD:

  • History of smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Have been diagnosed with heart disease or have family history of heart disease
  • Over age 50
  • Family history of aortic aneurysm
  • Leg pain with walking, pain in the foot when in bed (when leg is elevated), or leg/foot sores that won't heal