Preventative Vascular Screenings in Fishersville, VA

Early Vascular Screening Can Help Identify Silent Risk

Many vascular conditions can develop quietly. A person may feel well while plaque, narrowing, aneurysm formation, or reduced blood flow is already present. Preventative vascular screenings are designed to help identify possible warning signs before a condition becomes more advanced or begins causing serious symptoms.

Shenandoah Valley Surgical Associates offers affordable in-office vascular disease screenings for patients who want to be proactive about their health. These screenings are non-invasive, painless, and performed by Registered Vascular Technologists using ultrasound or specialized vascular testing equipment.

What Preventative Screenings Are Available?

The clinic offers three main vascular screenings: stroke screening, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, and peripheral arterial disease screening. Each screening is focused on a different part of the vascular system and can provide useful information about blood vessels, blood flow, plaque, narrowing, or aneurysm risk.

• Stroke screening uses carotid ultrasound to evaluate the main blood vessels in the neck that carry blood to the brain.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening uses abdominal ultrasound to check the size of the aorta and look for possible aneurysm formation.
• Peripheral arterial disease screening evaluates blood flow in the legs and may help identify possible narrowing or blockage in the arteries that supply the lower extremities.

Stroke Screening

A stroke screening is performed with a carotid ultrasound of the neck. This test looks at the main blood vessels that carry blood to the brain and may reveal signs of plaque formation, blockage, or severe narrowing.

This screening may be especially helpful for people with risk factors such as prior stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, known peripheral vascular disease, smoking history, or family history of stroke.

No special preparation is required for this screening. Patients are advised to wear an open-collar shirt. The screening takes about 10 minutes.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

An abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is performed with an ultrasound of the abdomen. The goal is to evaluate the size of the abdominal aorta and look for possible aneurysm formation, which means a bulging or enlargement of the vessel.

The ultrasound may also show evidence of plaque formation or narrowing of the abdominal aorta. This screening may be beneficial for people age 60 or older, patients with high blood pressure, people with a history of smoking, or those with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Preparation is required for this test. Patients should avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 8 hours before the screening. The test takes about 10 minutes.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening

Peripheral arterial disease, often called PAD, affects blood flow to the legs. A PAD screening is completed with a specialized machine that measures blood pressures and blood flow in the legs. The screening may reveal possible narrowing or blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the lower extremities.

This screening may be useful for patients who experience fatigue or pain in the leg muscles while walking or exercising. It may also be beneficial for people with heart disease, diabetes, smoking history, high cholesterol, or family history of PAD.

Patients should wear loose-fitting slacks, a short-sleeve shirt, and no hose for this screening. The test takes about 10 minutes.

How Much Do Vascular Screenings Cost?

Screening ultrasounds are often not covered by insurance companies, so Shenandoah Valley Surgical Associates offers these preventative screenings at a low self-pay cost. Patients may choose one individual screening or complete all three screenings together.

Who Should Consider Preventative Vascular Screening?

Preventative screening may be appropriate for patients who have vascular risk factors, a personal or family history of vascular disease, or symptoms that may suggest reduced blood flow. It may also be helpful for patients who want a proactive check of their vascular health.

Risk factors may include age over 60, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, smoking history, prior stroke, known peripheral vascular disease, or family history of stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or PAD.

Schedule a Preventative Screening

Preventative vascular screenings are available through Shenandoah Valley Surgical Associates in Fishersville, VA. Patients can contact the office to schedule a screening appointment and ask which screening option may be appropriate based on their health history and concerns.

To schedule an appointment, call Shenandoah Valley Surgical Associates at (540) 332-5999.