Stroke screening
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maryam Hadipour, M.D.[2]
Overview
There are several screening tests for high-risk patients to detect and prevent stroke: Carotid Artery Ultrasound, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening, Atrial Fibrillation, Peripheral Artery Disease.
Screening
It is suggested to use a variety of tests and assessments to detect high-risk patients and prevent stroke events. The tools are as follows:
- Carotid Artery Ultrasound: Ultrasound is used to image the carotid arteries in the neck to detect blockages that may lead to a stroke.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: This screening looks at abnormal bulging in the wall of the main artery in the abdomen. Abnormal bulging may lead to rupture if not detected. Less than 40% of individuals survive a ruptured aneurysm.
- Atrial Fibrillation: A limited ECG (rhythm strip) is performed to detect an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. The risk of stroke increases five times for those individuals with atrial fibrillation.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: This screening test uses ankle-brachial index to predict blockage in leg arteries that may cause deep vein thrombosis or other thrombotic events, including stroke. Peripheral Artery Disease affects about 8 million Americans, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.