Tribune staff reports

A vascular screening event is set for March 1 in the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour.

You must have a scheduled appointment to participate in the screening. Most people know about heart disease — the importance of prevention, detection and treatment and the huge impact it has on people’s health — but they know very little about vascular disease outside the heart.

An estimated 20 to 30 million Americans are at risk for various vascular diseases, including stroke, peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease and aortic aneurysms, according to a news release.

In most cases, with early detection, vascular disease can be treated effectively. There are several simple screening tests that detect these problems, all of which are noninvasive and painless.

Schneck is hosting a screening event offering a full range of noninvasive tests for vascular disease.

The screening tests consist of four procedures proven to be accurate in detecting vascular disease before the onset of active warning signs or a major medical incident such as a stroke or sudden aneurysm rupture. The fifth test included will be an osteoporosis risk assessment to screen for abnormal bone mass density.

Stroke/carotid artery screening ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque — the leading cause of strokes.

Hearth rhythm screening (atrial fibrillation), a quick and easy test using EKG electrodes placed on the arms and legs to identify the presence or absence of an irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke by five times.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening ultrasound scan that screens for the existence of an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a rupture.

Peripheral arterial disease screening screens for peripheral arterial disease (plaque buildup) in the lower extremities. Individuals are four to five times more likely to die from heart disease if they have peripheral arterial disease.

Osteoporosis risk assessment ultrasound screen of the heel for abnormal bone mass density in men and women. Osteoporosis is painless and silent in its early stages.

The cost for the five procedures is $139, which includes the technical and physician fees for interpretations. These procedures would not be covered by primary care insurance and must be paid for by the patient at the time of testing.

To schedule a screening, call Rita Baker at 812-522-0149 by Feb. 23. Screening times are limited.