Aneurysms and strokes — common conditions caused by vascular disease — can strike suddenly and without warning. That’s why it’s best to identify and treat underlying causes before symptoms appear. Stony Brook Medicine offers free screenings to help detect vascular disease. Performed by a vascular technologist during a single visit and results are reviewed by a vascular surgeon. The tests include:
- Carotid ultrasound, to check for clogged carotid arteries in the neck, which can lead to stroke
- Abdominal aortic ultrasound, to test for aortic aneurysm, which can burst if reaching a large size
- Ankle-brachial index, to check for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which may pose a threat to the health of your legs and is often a sign of heart disease
Vascular disease that affects the arteries is most often caused by atherosclerosis, a process resulting from a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on the inner lining of the arteries. As the buildup progresses, blood flow can become restricted or the artery may dilate and become aneurysmal.
Narrowing or blockages of arteries can occur in the arteries near the heart (cardiovascular disease), or in arteries farther from the heart, such as those in the arms, legs and the brain.
The most common forms of vascular disease are abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), carotid artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — all serious and life-threatening, often occurring "silently" without any symptoms. That's why early detection and treatment are crucial.
A Vascular Screening Could Save Your Life
The screening process for all three tests is about 10 minutes for each test and completely painless. As a service to our community, we’re offering these screening tests at no cost as just one more way Stony Brook Medicine is helping to keep you healthy.
Want to find out if you are a candidate for a free screening?
Venous Disease
Are you suffering from painful swollen, ropey veins on your legs? Our FREE varicose vein screenings provide an examination of the lower legs for venous insufficiency.
| Varicose veins are extremely common and often overlooked. This condition affects over 30 million Americans, yet only about 1.9 million seek treatment. Varicose veins are blood vessels, usually in the legs, that become permanently dilated (widened) and twisted. They may include superficial veins, deep veins and veins that connect superficial and deep veins. Venous valves are one way valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards. When valves malfunction, blood flows in the opposite direction, causing veins to enlarge in order to accommodate the increased volume of blood. This problem is also known as venous reflux. |  |
Symptoms of varicose veins may include vague discomfort and aching in the legs, especially after standing; and fatigue rash on the legs, burning or itching of the skin. Many people also experience tired legs, heaviness, and swelling. The most advanced form of venous disease includes swelling, darkening of the skin, and skin ulceration (open sores). The signs of varicose veins are enlarged, disfiguring, snakelike, bluish veins which are visible under the skin upon standing; they appear most often in the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg from ankle to groin
CLICK HERE To Register for a Free Vein Screening
Visit Stony Brook Center for Vein Care to learn more about venous disease and our accredited Center.