Stroke is one of the leading causes of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Each year, over 795,000 people in the US experience a stroke, and approximately 140,000 of these cases will result in death. However, the good news is that up to 80% of all strokes can be prevented. One simple step that can help in prevention is by undergoing a stroke and vascular screening exam. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the importance of stroke and vascular screening, early signs of cardiovascular disease, and the preventive actions that you can take to avoid the risk of a stroke.
What is a Stroke and Vascular Screening Exam?
A stroke and vascular screening exam is a non-invasive, painless exam that analyzes your arteries and veins to determine if there are any early signs of cardiovascular disease. It involves an ultrasound of the carotid arteries in your neck, which supply blood to your brain, as well as an evaluation of your abdominal aorta and leg arteries. This exam can also provide information about your risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. By detecting potential problems early, you’ll be able to make changes to your lifestyle or seek medical attention before further damage is done.
What are the Early Signs of Cardiovascular Disease?
There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, smoking, family history, obesity, and physical inactivity. In addition to these symptoms, there are several lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference in reducing your risk of a cardiovascular event. These include reducing your salt intake, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise. By taking a proactive approach to your health through routine vascular screening, you’ll be better equipped to address any potential issues before they become more serious.
Preventive Actions You Need to Take
Making changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of a stroke and cardiovascular disease. These include losing weight if you’re overweight, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet. Additionally, managing stress, controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and limiting alcohol consumption are all crucial factors that can help prevent the occurrence of a stroke. Finally, undergoing routine vascular screening exams can detect early signs of cardiovascular disease before it becomes a more serious issue.
The impacts of suffering from a stroke can be life-changing. However, the great news is that many cases can be prevented by undergoing routine stroke and vascular screening exams. By evaluating early signs of cardiovascular disease and making changes to your lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk of a stroke. So, take control of your health and schedule a stroke and vascular screening exam at Inland Imaging today. Your health is your most important asset, and the decisions you make today can make a difference in the quality of your life tomorrow.
