Vascular screening

I had a total vascular screening test done today. Every few months one of the Fort Wayne hospitals brings a mobile setup to my workplace. Normally I just have to clear a spot for them in our facility and help set things set up.

Since my blood pressure has been running higher, and what with the drunken marathon debacle, I thought maybe it would be a good use of $79 to have one done. Jane had it done the last time they were at my workplace. Here is what is involved (according to the website):

Vascular screening tests are non-invasive procedures that are performed with ultrasound and blood pressure cuffs designed to detect blood flow in the arteries throughout the body. These screenings can indicate blockages or weakening of vessels in the brain and blood pressure differences that point to blockages in the legs. 

Total Vascular Screening includes the following three screening tests and can be completed in approximately 30 minutes.

• Carotid artery screening detects the presence of carotid stenosis (or narrowing of the arteries), the most frequent cause of stroke.
• The ABI screening detects the presence and severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the arteries of the legs and/or feet.
• Abdominal aortic screening can detect and estimate the size of an aneurysm in the “abdominal” aorta, the largest artery of the body.

I had mine done when I got off work today. It was a piece of cake (I literally just laid on a table and chatted with the tester). It appears that I am fine. My carotid arteries both registered at the lowest possible level of blockage - which she said means I don't need to see a doctor and they recommend having it redone in 5-10 years or so (so nothing serious). The abdominal and leg screens were both "perfect."

So, apparently I'm not going to die from this. Not yet anyhow.