In the US, stroke is the 4th leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term adult disability. Stroke screening is an essential part of determining your risk of having a stroke.
The Prairie Lakes Stroke Screen includes four screenings:
- Stroke/Carotid Artery – Scans carotid arteries in the neck for plaque build-up, which can lead to stroke.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Scans for abdominal aneurysms most people don't know they have. Abdominal aneurysms can rupture and possibly be fatal.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease - Scans for plaque build-up in the legs that causes leg pain and is linked to coronary artery disease. The screening also checks the ankle brachial index blood pressure.
- Heart Rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation) - A tracing of the heart rhythm will be taken to identity the presence or absence of irregular heartbeats.
Some risk factors for stroke include:
- Family history of heart disease or stroke
- History of smoking
- Over age 40
- High blood pressure
- High stress levels
- Inactive lifestyle
- Overweight
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
After the radiologist and cardiologist at Prairie Lakes interprets the findings, your physician will receive a report with the results. You will also receive a copy of the report explaining the results. Following up on the screening results is up to you and your physician.
The Stroke Screen is completed on the Prairie Lakes Hospital campus and is available for only $45 on a pay-for-service basis. Physician referral is not necessary. To schedule a Stroke Screen, call the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Central Scheduling Department at 605-882-7690.