This comprehensive screening program will scan for non-cardiac vascular disease such as blockage in the blood flow in the neck that might increase the risk of stroke, enlargement of the abdominal aorta (abdominal aortic aneurysm), and blockage in the leg circulation.

The screening includes:

• an ultrasound test of the carotid artery and the abdominal aorta and
• an ankle/brachial index that measures blood pressure in the arms and ankles
• a brief physician consultation to review the results is also provided

The screening will take approximately one hour and will be held in the Surgery Outpatient Clinic, 1400 JCP, located on the first floor across from elevator F. It will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This is a free offering, but the number of people we can accept is limited, so advance registration is necessary. Individuals who could benefit most from this screening include men age 55 years or older with history of hypertension, heart disease, smoking or family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm. You will need to be NPO (nothing by mouth, including water) six hours prior to this screening.

For more information, call UI Health Access at 319-384-8442 or 800-777-8442 and indicate that you are calling about the vascular screening. Or visit http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/surgery/index.html.