The Medical Center offers three non-invasive, painless screenings that look for the most common vascular risks: Stroke, Aortic Aneurysm, and Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Carotid Ultrasound - Detects stroke risk. Stroke is the third leading cause of death. A screening scan of the carotid arteries in the neck will detect plaque build-up, which causes 33% of strokes.

Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound - Detects Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Tenth leading cause of death in males over the age of 55. The vast majority of aneurysms cause no symptoms until rupture. A painless scan of the abdomen is performed.

Ankle/Brachial Index - Detects Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease. Disease affects 20-30 million Americans, which may cause pain when walking and eventually may lead to amputation. A quick and painless test measures the blood flow in the legs to detect blockage in the arteries.

Screenings are performed at The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center located off Cave Mill Road in Chandler Park. The Heart Institute’s vascular technician performs the screenings and reviews all results immediately on-site. The results are then sent to a board certified vascular surgeon at The Heart Institute for verification, and a report is sent to you and your physician.

Check out The Medical Center calendar of events for upcoming screening dates. Or call (270) 745-0942 or toll free at 1-877-800-3824 for appointment and further information. Appointments encouraged. Walk-ins taken on a space available basis.

The cost is $35 for each screening or all three screenings for $90. For members of The Medical Center's Senior Health Network, The Women's Center or Men's Health Alliance programs, the cost is $80 for all three. Cash or check accepted. Screenings are not covered by insurance.

Who should undergo vascular screening tests?

• Anyone over the age of 50
• Present or past smokers
• History of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Obesity
• High Cholesterol
• Positive family history of strokes, aortic aneurysm, or heart disease

How should I prepare?

• Avoid wearing turtlenecks or high collar sweaters for Carotid Ultrasound.
• Take nothing by mouth 4 - 8 hours before Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasound.
• Ankles and feet will need to be accessible for Peripheral Artery Ultrasound.
• Allow 10 to 15 minutes for each exam.