Providence Heart and Vascular Institute Offers Life-Saving Screenings

Jan. 11, 2008

WHAT: Providence Heart and Vascular Institute schedules six life-saving vascular disease screening events during 2008, beginning in February – American Heart Month.

WHEN: All day – appointment required
Thursday, Feb. 2

WHERE: Providence Portland Medical Center
4805 N.E. Glisan, Portland

DETAILS: Vascular disease is considered a “silent killer,” because people can literally die from the disease without ever knowing they have it. A simple and painless screening for the disease can save lives. Providence Heart and Vascular Institute will offer six life-saving vascular screening events this year; the first is scheduled for February – American Heart Month.

The screenings are for the most life-threatening vascular diseases: abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease. The screenings involve using an ultrasound wand on the neck and abdomen, and using a blood pressure cup device on the ankle. Once identified, vascular disease can be easily treated. Left untreated, vascular disease can be fatal – 95 percent of abdominal aortic aneurysms that burst result in death. The key risk factors for vascular disease include age (60 or older), smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, pulmonary disease and a family history of vascular disease.

A complete set of screenings costs $100, a single screening costs $40. For more information about this or future screenings or to register, please call Providence Heart and Vascular Institute at 503-216-2088.