CLEVELAND, OH,  USA – Life Line Screening will provide more than 200,000 stroke prevention screenings to more than 80,000 people during the month of May, Stroke Awareness Month, including free cholesterol and biometric screenings during the Larry King Cardiac Foundation Health Fair in Washington, DC on May 1.

 
Life Line Screening’s community-based screenings are conducted by highly trained healthcare professionals using state-of-the-art technology.  Typically offered stroke prevention screenings includes tests for:

• Carotid Artery Blockages, which can constrict or stop blood flow to the brain and lead to stroke. The stroke screening uses ultrasound to visualize fatty plaque buildup and measures the velocity of blood flow to the brain.
• Atrial Fibrillation, which is an abnormal heart rhythm that affects the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). Individuals with atrial fibrillation are five to seven times more likely to suffer a stroke than those in the general population.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease, which is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the arms or legs become narrowed or clogged, slowing or stopping the flow of blood. This narrowing or "hardening" of the arteries increases the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack.
• Cholesterol, a waxy buildup on the inside of the arteries that can constrict blood flow or break off, travel to the brain, and cause a stroke.

The free screenings being offered on May 1 at the Foggy Bottom metro stop will include the cholesterol screening as well as glucose, blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings. 

Stroke is considered a “silent killer” because the condition often occurs without any symptoms or with only vague warning signs that are ignored or missed. Vascular screenings are designed to be combined with traditional risk factor modification such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and smoking cessation, and are a powerful tool to help identify stroke risk before a stroke occurs.   Life Line Screening targets its services for those over age 50.

Other key stroke facts:

• After the age of 55 your chances of a stroke doubles every decade
• 80% of strokes are preventable
• African-Americans are affected by stroke more than any other group

Those interested in learning more about vascular screening may contact Life Line Screening at 1-800-697-9721 or visit the website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Screenings range from $45 for a single test up to $199 for a comprehensive package.