Vascular Disease Screening

An estimated 20 million to 30 million Americans are at risk for various vascular diseases, including stroke, peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease and aortic aneurysms. These nonheart-related vascular diseases cause as much death and disability as heart disease.

In the past, these vascular diseases have gone undetected until it is too late. However, with the early detection screenings available from The University of Kansas Health System, vascular disease can now be identified and treated before major complications arise.

Our early detection screening for vascular disease is designed to discover undetected health problems using noninvasive health screenings. These screenings, which take approximately 30 minutes to complete and do not require a doctor's order, allow you and your primary care physician to design a plan to treat vascular disease.

Our noninvasive vascular laboratory is a modern, uniquely designed facility to serve outpatients and is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories. Cost for the screenings is $40 per exam or $100 for the set of 3. These screenings are not covered by insurance.

Screening is useful for anyone over age 55 who has not already been diagnosed with carotid artery, abdominal aorta or peripheral vascular disease. There is a higher risk of atherosclerosis in certain high-risk patients, including those with:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• A history of smoking
• High blood cholesterol
• Family history of atherosclerotic problems and circulatory problems

A vascular screening test can be used to diagnose many different types of vascular disease. A full range of noninvasive tests is available at our vascular laboratory, including tests for:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Carotid artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease

Vascular disease screenings are conducted using ultrasound imaging, which carries no known risk. Additionally, the results of your screening test can be lifesaving, as identifying any abnormalities can ensure the earliest possible intervention and treatment.

Different screening tests may have different preparation requirements, depending on the type of vascular disease being screened for. You may need to fast for a certain amount of time before your test. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor will go over your results with you once they are ready. If your vascular disease screening comes back with any abnormal findings, your doctor will discuss the next steps. You may need additional diagnostic tests for your doctor to make a definitive diagnosis and treatment recommendations.