Stroke and Vascular Screening
Stroke and Vascular Disease Screening Program
Stroke and Vascular Disease are major causes of Long Term Disability. Since the development of an ultrasound service at the Slievemore Clinic we have developed a Stroke Prevention Program to allow our patients to be screened effectively for the risk factors of Stroke and Vascular Disease.
Age. Risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age. Early screening is appropriate from the age of 40. Risk of stroke tends to be delayed, and screening is appropriate from the age of 60.
Family History – a first degree relative with a history of stroke or heart attack before the age of 65.
Smoking - Smokers have 2 to 3 times the risk of having heart attacks than non-smokers.
Cholesterol Level – The higher one’s cholesterol level the greater one’s chance of having a heart attack. The aim is to have total cholesterol level below 5.0 and LDL level below 3.0
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – the higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of heart attack and stroke. The aim is to have a blood pressure below 130/90 or less. Intervention is usually recommended for pressures above 140/90.
Weight, Waist and Body Mass Index. Obesity is a recognised risk factor for the development of hypertension, diabetes, and therefore a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. One of the most relevant measurements is the waist circumference, which should be below 100 cm in men and 88 cm in women, no matter what their height. Body Mass Index is also a useful measurement, and should be below 25.
Diabetes – Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Control of diabetes is an important element in heart disease and stroke prevention.
Prior History – Naturally if you had a previous cardiovascular event, you are at increased risk of another.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is an event that occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to a part of the brain. Sometimes (13% of cases) this is caused by a bursting blood vessel, and a bleed into the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). However, most of the time (87%) it is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel depriving a part of the brain of circulation (ischaemic stroke). This can be due to a locally developed clot (thrombotic stroke), or a clot that develops somewhere else in the body, such as in the heart or in the carotid arteries, and travels to the brain (cerebral embolus). Prolonged lack of blood supply to an area of the brain means that that part of the brain ceases to function, and nerve cells will die. The symptoms arising from that will vary depending on what part of the brain is effected. They can vary from being quite mild to being catastrophic and even fatal.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors – all the Cardiovascular Risk Factors mentioned above are risk factors in stroke, but the following risk factors are also major risk factors for stroke:-
Atrial Fibrillation – Atrial Fibrillation is a risk factor for Stroke. It is an abnormal, and irregular rhythm of the heart, which often has no symptoms (some people experience palpitations). It is increasingly frequent with advancing age. It causes an irregular pulse. It can be identified by a simple examination with a rhythm monitor, or by an ECG. Atrial fibrillation can pre-dispose to clots building up in the heart, which can subsequently travel to the brain causing strokes.
Carotid Artery Disease – Another risk factor for stroke is a build up of “plaque” in the carotid arteries (in the neck). This is a risk factor for stroke.
Alcohol Intake. Alcohol intake above 2 units per day for men, and one for women is associated with an increase risk of stroke and of high blood pressure. Binge drinking is also associated with an increase risk of stroke.
TIAs – Transient ischaemic attacks, often called mini-strokes, are risk factors for stroke. These are varied neurological events, such as sudden weakness, or sensory loss (e.g vision, or feeling). By definition a TIA lasts less than 24 hours, followed by full recovery. If full recovery is not achieved within that time, the event is classified as a stroke.
What Happens at Screening?
There are Three Levels of Screening offered.
Level 1 is Clinical and Nurse led. It checks your physical risk factors, as well as clinical and biochemical markers of cardiovascular illness.
Level 2 includes all Level 1 testing plus Ultrasounic examination of the Carotid Arteries, the Aorta (looking of aneurysm), and the Kidneys.
Level 3 screening checks the circulation to the legs. It is particularly indicated for smokers, or people with circulation problems.
How Do I arrange Screening, and What does it Cost?
Screening is arranged through the Ultrasound booking Service on 01-2100232. Cost varies depending on which level you pick. You can download an information file on the screening program from the link below, including prices.
Stroke and Vascular Disease are major causes of Long Term Disability. Since the development of an ultrasound service at the Slievemore Clinic we have developed a Stroke Prevention Program to allow our patients to be screened effectively for the risk factors of Stroke and Vascular Disease.
Major Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
(Heart, Stroke, Circulatory Problems)
(Heart, Stroke, Circulatory Problems)
Age. Risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age. Early screening is appropriate from the age of 40. Risk of stroke tends to be delayed, and screening is appropriate from the age of 60.
Family History – a first degree relative with a history of stroke or heart attack before the age of 65.
Smoking - Smokers have 2 to 3 times the risk of having heart attacks than non-smokers.
Cholesterol Level – The higher one’s cholesterol level the greater one’s chance of having a heart attack. The aim is to have total cholesterol level below 5.0 and LDL level below 3.0
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – the higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of heart attack and stroke. The aim is to have a blood pressure below 130/90 or less. Intervention is usually recommended for pressures above 140/90.
Weight, Waist and Body Mass Index. Obesity is a recognised risk factor for the development of hypertension, diabetes, and therefore a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. One of the most relevant measurements is the waist circumference, which should be below 100 cm in men and 88 cm in women, no matter what their height. Body Mass Index is also a useful measurement, and should be below 25.
Diabetes – Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Control of diabetes is an important element in heart disease and stroke prevention.
Prior History – Naturally if you had a previous cardiovascular event, you are at increased risk of another.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is an event that occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to a part of the brain. Sometimes (13% of cases) this is caused by a bursting blood vessel, and a bleed into the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). However, most of the time (87%) it is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel depriving a part of the brain of circulation (ischaemic stroke). This can be due to a locally developed clot (thrombotic stroke), or a clot that develops somewhere else in the body, such as in the heart or in the carotid arteries, and travels to the brain (cerebral embolus). Prolonged lack of blood supply to an area of the brain means that that part of the brain ceases to function, and nerve cells will die. The symptoms arising from that will vary depending on what part of the brain is effected. They can vary from being quite mild to being catastrophic and even fatal.
Risk Factors for Stroke
Cardiovascular Risk Factors – all the Cardiovascular Risk Factors mentioned above are risk factors in stroke, but the following risk factors are also major risk factors for stroke:-
Atrial Fibrillation – Atrial Fibrillation is a risk factor for Stroke. It is an abnormal, and irregular rhythm of the heart, which often has no symptoms (some people experience palpitations). It is increasingly frequent with advancing age. It causes an irregular pulse. It can be identified by a simple examination with a rhythm monitor, or by an ECG. Atrial fibrillation can pre-dispose to clots building up in the heart, which can subsequently travel to the brain causing strokes.
Carotid Artery Disease – Another risk factor for stroke is a build up of “plaque” in the carotid arteries (in the neck). This is a risk factor for stroke.
Alcohol Intake. Alcohol intake above 2 units per day for men, and one for women is associated with an increase risk of stroke and of high blood pressure. Binge drinking is also associated with an increase risk of stroke.
TIAs – Transient ischaemic attacks, often called mini-strokes, are risk factors for stroke. These are varied neurological events, such as sudden weakness, or sensory loss (e.g vision, or feeling). By definition a TIA lasts less than 24 hours, followed by full recovery. If full recovery is not achieved within that time, the event is classified as a stroke.
What Happens at Screening?
There are Three Levels of Screening offered.
Level 1 is Clinical and Nurse led. It checks your physical risk factors, as well as clinical and biochemical markers of cardiovascular illness.
Level 2 includes all Level 1 testing plus Ultrasounic examination of the Carotid Arteries, the Aorta (looking of aneurysm), and the Kidneys.
Level 3 screening checks the circulation to the legs. It is particularly indicated for smokers, or people with circulation problems.
How Do I arrange Screening, and What does it Cost?
Screening is arranged through the Ultrasound booking Service on 01-2100232. Cost varies depending on which level you pick. You can download an information file on the screening program from the link below, including prices.
