Everyone has risk associated with stroke. Knowing your risk and getting a fast and painless stroke screening are your best defenses against a life threatening or life-altering event.
Many people go through their daily routines without realizing how close they are to suffering a life-threatening stroke. And, unfortunately, most people don't have symptoms or signs before 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 individuals determine their stroke risk in advance so they can take steps to improve their health.
A stroke screening will help to identify these blood flow blockages. 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.
"Ultrasound technology is something that's been around for over 50 years. Medical professionals have used the visual, non-invasive technology in many applications. Pregnancy is probably the most well-known application of ultrasound," says Scott McGlothlen, Stroke Detection Plus President.
Ultrasound can also help doctors see blocked blood vessels without performing an angiogram, an invasive procedure in which a tiny catheter tube is inserted into a blood vessel.
"Unlike an angiogram, the Stroke Detection Plus ultrasound screening is performed without needles or injections," McGlothlen says. Patients remain fully clothed as the technician moves an ultrasound probe over specific areas of the body to detect potential blood vessel blockages. "In five minutes, we can tell people if they have blockage. And they get these results confidentially, so it doesn't affect their health premium," he says.
During a Stroke Detection Plus screening, a certified ultrasound technician performs four tests. "If the ultrasound test discovers a potential health problem, an on-staff nurse for Stroke Detection Plus will follow up with a phone consultation to encourage patients to visit their doctor for diagnosis and treatment," McGlothlen says.
People over the age of 40 are encouraged to get tested especially with one or more of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, more than 20 pounds overweight, smoke, have high cholesterol, inactive lifestyle, or have a family medical history of heart disease or stroke.
Stroke Detection Plus will be screening on Tuesday, April 16 from 9:00 - 4:00 at Buena Vista County Farm Bureau located at 1707 Lake Avenue.
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Stroke Screening offered to area residents April 16