Could You Have Vascular Disease and Not Know It?

Quick answer:  

Vascular disease does not always announce itself. Many people living with conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD) experience few or no symptoms until a serious event such as a rupture or stroke occurs. That is what makes early screening so important.

Guthrie offers a combined vascular screening that checks for all three conditions in one visit. Here is what you need to know.

What Is Vascular Disease?

Vascular disease is a broad term for conditions that affect the body's network of blood vessels, including arteries, veins and lymph vessels. When blood flow is disrupted or restricted, the consequences can be serious. They range from chronic pain to life-threatening emergencies.

The three conditions screened through Guthrie's vascular screening program are among the most common and most dangerous forms of vascular disease.

What Are the Three Conditions Guthrie Screens For?

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

An AAA is an enlarged section of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood and oxygen throughout the body. When the aortic wall weakens and bulges, it can rupture. This is a medical emergency that is frequently fatal. According to the National Institutes of Health, AAA affects between 3.9% and 7.2% of men and between 1.0% and 1.3% of women based on population-based studies.

Who should consider AAA screening:

• Males over age 60
• Females over age 60 with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease
• Anyone over age 50 with a family history of AAA
• Current or former smokers over age 50

Carotid Artery Disease (CAD)

CAD occurs when one or both of the arteries in the neck become narrowed. These arteries carry blood from the heart to the brain. This narrowing significantly increases the risk of stroke.

Who should consider CAD screening:

• Anyone with a family history of stroke
• People with diabetes
• Current or former smokers
• Adults over age 40 with high cholesterol
• Anyone with known arterial blockages in the legs

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the legs, stomach, arms and head. It occurs most often in the legs and can cause pain, cramping or numbness when walking. Left untreated, PAD can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Who should consider PAD screening:

• Smokers over age 35
• Adults over age 40 with high cholesterol or high blood pressure
• People with diabetes
• Adults over age 40 with a family history of PAD
• Anyone experiencing leg cramps, numbness or difficulty walking

Why Does Early Screening Matter?

Vascular conditions can progress silently for years. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be at an advanced stage that is harder to treat. Early detection gives patients and their care team the opportunity to intervene before a condition becomes an emergency.

Treatment options vary based on your needs. They range from lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and smoking cessation, to medications and, when necessary, surgical procedures.

What to Expect During a Guthrie Vascular Screening

The screening is fast, safe and non-invasive. A Guthrie technician will place blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs and use ultrasound imaging to evaluate blood flow in your legs, abdomen and neck. The entire appointment takes approximately 30 minutes.

Screenings are available on weekdays at Guthrie Sayre. Claims are not submitted to health insurance plans, and payment is collected at the time of service.

What Happens if the Screening Shows a Problem?

If the screening identifies a concern, you will be referred to a Guthrie vascular surgeon for follow-up, which may include additional testing. If an urgent issue is detected, Guthrie's vascular surgeons are on-site and available to take immediate action.

Schedule Your Vascular Screening at Guthrie

If you or someone you care about has risk factors for vascular disease, a screening is a proactive and affordable step toward better health.

Schedule your appointment online at guthrie.org/services-treatments/vascular-screening or call 570-887-2893 or 570-887-2894.