Stroke Facts
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of serious long-term disability.
On average, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds.
Strokes are most common in southern states, including Kentucky.
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PAD Facts
The classic symptom of PAD (peripheral artery disease) is pain in the legs with exertion such as walking, which is relieved by resting. However, up to 40% of individuals with PAD have no leg pain.
Untreated, PAD can lead to non-healing wounds, gangrene, and loss of limbs.
Risk Factors for PAD
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Smoking
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High blood pressure
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Atherosclerosis
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Diabetes
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High cholesterol
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Older than age 60
Aortic Aneurysm Facts
Aortic aneurysms caused 9,863 deaths in 2014.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are usually caused by high blood pressure or sudden injury.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are usually caused by atherosclerosis (hardened arteries).
Abdominal aortic aneurysms often don’t have any symptoms.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 65–75 years who have ever smoked should get an ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms, even if they have no symptoms.
Arterial Disease Detection
Screening Tests
Fortunately, there are simple, noninvasive, and affordable screening tests available to detect narrowing of the arteries of the neck and legs and to detect silent abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Comprehensive Tests
If a vascular screening test detects anything of concern, there are a variety of imaging examinations to provide a comprehensive assessment of the degree and extent of arterial disease including
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Arterial duplex sonography
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MR Arteriography
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CT Arteriography
