Staff report
Ashland — In its ongoing battle against heart and vascular disease, King’s Daughters Medical Center is offering free vascular screenings throughout the region. For screening locations or appointments, call (888) 377-5362. Appointments are required.
Recent studies show that more than 80 million in the United States have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease. Better lifestyle habits combined with early medical intervention may help reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Although the mortality rates are declining, heart and vascular diseases affect the people of our region at a much higher rate than others in Kentucky and throughout the U.S. Overall cardiovascular mortality for our region has decreased 21.7 percent in the past few years, but still is 28 percent higher than the national average.
Vascular disease includes any condition that affects the circulatory system. This ranges from diseases of arteries, veins and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation.
A vascular screening includes several tests that are helpful for determining whether an individual has developed, or is at risk of developing, vascular disease. The screening process takes about 45 minutes.
It is recommended that men and women 50 and older register for a vascular screening, especially if they have leg pain when walking that goes away with rest; a family history of peripheral artery disease; swelling in the legs, or if they smoke or have previously smoked.
Vascular screenings are specifically designed to check for peripheral artery disease. Often, PAD has been associated with “getting older” and those with the ailment believe there’s nothing to do. Untreated, PAD can lead to a variety of problems, the most serious being amputation and death.
Many with PAD also have coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.
A vascular screening includes the following tests and fasting is required:
‰Lipid profile — a breakdown of cholesterol levels, including HDL, LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol
‰Ankle brachial index — a measurement of blood pressure at the ankle to check for signs of peripheral artery disease.
‰Blood glucose — a test for blood sugar level.
‰Electrocardiogram — a non-invasive test to measure electrical activity to the heart by attaching electrodes to the skin
