Toledo, OH October 20, 2004

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States, with over 1.1 million people affected. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that one-third to one-half of the estimated 700,000 strokes in Americans annually are caused by blockages in the carotid arteries. Furthermore, 88% are ischemic strokes, which means that blood flow to the brain is blocked, usually by plaque or clots.

Most strokes can be prevented. Two simple outpatient tests can quickly and reliably identify those who are at risk for a stroke, but, as the Journal article noted, few people are aware of these tests and too few doctors recommend them to their patients.

The first test, called a carotid ultrasound, scans the carotid arteries in the neck for plaque build-up or blood clots that can prevent blood flow to the brain. The second test, called the ankle-brachial index, or ABI, measures the blood pressure in both the ankle and the upper arm and compares the two readings. This test determines how well blood is flowing throughout the body’s arteries.

Since 2003, Jobst Vascular Center has been offering free monthly vascular screenings that include both the carotid ultrasound and ABI tests. In addition, participants also receive a scan for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The screenings occur in the Jobst Vascular Laboratory, located on the 5th floor of the Jobst Tower, and take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You must register for the screening by calling 419-291-2080 to make an appointment time.