Published: December 18, 2009 09:03 am      

Stroke Screenings to be offered

Knoxville — Many people go through their daily routines without realizing how close they are to suffering a life-threatening stroke.

Unfortunately, most people don’t notice a sign or symptom until after a stroke occurs. That’s why stroke is commonly referred to as the “silent killer,” ranking as the third leading cause of death in the United States.

But new mobile technology is available today to help patients determine their stroke risk in advance so they can take steps to improve their health.

Stroke Detection Plus’ preventative tests help identify those who are at a high risk for Stroke and Cardiovascular disease, as well as osteoporosis.

Stoke Detection Plus, a mobile vascular screening company, uses ultrasound technology to find blockages in the body’s blood vessels that could lead to a stroke.

During a Stroke Detection Plus screening, a certified ultrasound technician performs four preventative tests. These tests include the following:

• Carotid Artery or Stroke screening: They can detect plaque build-up or blockage, where 75-85 percent of strokes are associated with blockage of the carotid arteries in the neck.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening: They can detect any ballooning or enlargement in this vessel. It is the vessel that feeds the extremities with blood. 80 percent of all aneurysms occur in the abdominal area.

• Peripheral Arterial Disease screening: This screening looks for blockage in the arms and legs. Patients with vessel blockage in their arms or legs have four to six times greater risk of coronary heart disease.

• Osteoporosis – An ultrasound scan of the heel can determine if osteoporosis has weakened the skeletal system.

People ages 40 and above are encouraged to sign up for a Stroke Detection Plus screening if they have one or more of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, more than 20 pounds overweight, smoke, have high cholesterol, live an inactive lifestyle, or have a family medical history of heart disease or stroke.

Stroke Detection Plus will be screening Wednesday, Dec. 23, from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the Marion County Farm Bureau.

Individuals may schedule any single test for $40 each, any three tests for $100, or a complete wellness profile consisting of all four tests for $120.

A two minute virtual tour of the screenings being offered can be found on the Stroke Detection Plus Web site, www.strokedetectionplus.com

Appointments are necessary. To set up an appointment, call toll-free 1-877-732-8258.