Stroke Screening

According to the National Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 Americans will experience a stroke this year. Strokes are the third-leading cause of death among Americans and the leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Almost 87 percent of strokes (or brain attacks) result when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. Frequently, the origin is plaque build-up in the carotid arteries of the neck.

Plaque generally builds up slowly in the carotid arteries, but the process can accelerate at any time. Carotid artery disease is a silent disease, meaning symptoms may not appear until a significant amount of plaque is present, and is most prevalent in individuals with certain risk factors.

If you have risk factors for stroke, a stroke screening is recommended. Major risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, peripheral arterial disease, atrial fibrillation, a family history of stroke, TIAs (transient ischemic attacks) or carotid artery disease, or being over the age of 55. The stroke screening is NOT recommended for those who have been previously diagnosed with carotid artery disease or have experienced symptoms of TIA or stroke. These individuals need a complete carotid duplex study.

During the screening, blood pressure is measured and a monitor strip of the heart’s rhythm is obtained. Then, a quick ultrasound scan is done of the carotid arteries by a professional sonographer. This abbreviated study is reviewed by an experienced physician who determines the presence or absence of plaque and evaluates the monitor strip to rule out atrial fibrillation. If plaque is found, the primary care physician may order a complete carotid duplex study to better quantify the amount and significance.

Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center offers stroke screenings as a service to heighten awareness of carotid artery disease and to help prevent its potentially devastating effects through lifestyle changes, medication, or in severe cases, carotid endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque). The screenings are offered on a weekly basis at Memorial Hospital Cardiovascular Services at 440 Scott Rolen Drive, Jasper.

A physician’s order/referral is not required. Please call Memorial Hospital’s Centralized Scheduling staff at 481-8550 to schedule a stroke screening. Cost of the screening is $40; cash or check is acceptable.