A new program at the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center makes it easier for people to get screened for peripheral arterial disease. In the past, screening usually involved physician referral. Now, people can directly schedule up to three simple, painless tests. For more information on these vascular screenings, call 319-356-2777.

Nearly 10 million Americans are at risk for this serious vascular disease, which has few warning signs but is associated with stroke, heart attack, or sudden death.

Candidates for screening include adults age 50 and older with any of these risk factors: diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity or family history of stroke, heart or vascular disease.

Each screening costs $50, and the fee is $120 for all three. The tests—carotid artery ultrasound, abdominal aortic ultrasound and ankle brachial index—are not covered by insurance, but are reimbursable through flexible spending.

For more information:

University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center

Vascular screenings