The stroke / carotid artery disease screening procedure is simple, painless, and non-invasive. You will be asked to lie on your back on an exam table. After applying gel to your neck, the technologist will move an instrument called a transducer on your neck to create images of the carotid arteries and assess the rate of blood flow within them.
What you can learn
Life Line Screening uses Doppler colour-flow ultrasound technology to create images of the carotid arteries and measure the blood flow through these vessels. The amount of plaque build-up and the speed of the blood flow are reported as one of the following:
• Within normal range
• Mild/moderate risk
• Moderate risk
• Findings of possible significance
The procedure is simple, painless and non-invasive. You will be asked to lie on your back on an examination table. After applying gel to your neck, the technologist will move an instrument called a transducer on your neck to create images of the carotid arteries and assess the rate of blood flow within them.
Who should have it
Anyone over the age 50, or over the age 40 with risk factors for strokes, carotid artery disease or atrial fibrillation (also known as irregular heartbeat), should have this screening. Are you at risk? Find out.
How often you should be screened
This is a personal decision based on your risk factors and previous screening results. Many of our customers choose to have annual screenings as part of their regular healthcare regime. Remember that being screened for carotid artery disease plus atrial fibrillation provides you with a more complete assessment of your stroke risk.
How to prepare
When you go to have this screening, remember:
• Wear a shirt that is open at the collar and short-
sleeved.
• Do not wear a turtleneck.
Find out if you are at risk of:
Strokes
Carotid artery disease
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
