Anyone had the test for artery blockage? (ankle, cold, blood pressure)

[jasperhobbs]

There is a test out called lifeline screening which checks for Carotid Artery Disease. Has anyone had the tests and do you recommend it?

[fallstaff]

I've had it. yes, I would recommend it. It is fast, easy, non-invasive. The contact gel can be cold though.

[jasperhobbs]

Originally Posted by fallstaff

I've had it. yes, I would recommend it. It is fast, easy, non-invasive. The contact gel can be cold though.

Do you recall the cost?

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by jasperhobbs

Do you recall the cost?

Mine was free. Part of a cardiac outreach program.

[Calvert Hall '62]

Recommend them. The four basics: carotids, rhythm, abdominal aorta, and peripheral arteries. You can also have osteoporosis assessment and blood drawn for C-reactive protein, lipids, and sugar.

[TFW46]

I've had both the Lifeline Screening carotid artery test and the same test administered by a hospital. They were exactly the same. The Lifeline Screening test gave me more detailed results than I got from the hospital.

Lifeline Screening charges about $135 for 5-6 different tests, of which the carotid artery screening is one. A couple of weeks after the screening you get, in the mail, the detailed results of all your screenings. (If there's a problem, the Lifeline Screening people will tell you right then and there.) I totally recommend the Lifeline Screenings. I've had them annually for the past 7-8 years and have even given them as gifts.

[Mr_Geek]

What is involved in these tests since they are being described as non-invasive? How exactly do they perform the test?

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by Mr_Geek

What is involved in these tests since they are being described as non-invasive? How exactly do they perform the test?

Essentially it's like a sonogram.


https://www.lifelinescreening.com/sc...what-to-expect

[TFW46]

Originally Posted by Mr_Geek

What is involved in these tests since they are being described as non-invasive? How exactly do they perform the test?

I've had different tests done by Lifeline Screening. None were invasive at all. Many of the tests, including the carotid artery test, are ultrasounds.

In an ultrasound a technician applies a small amount of gel to the body part in question, after which he rubs that body part with a small hand-held device that emits sound waves and records the echo as the waves bounce off tissues, organs and blood cells.

A computer translates the echoed sound waves into a live-action image on a monitor. The carotid artery test uses an ultrasound which shows blood flowing through the arteries. The rate of blood flow is translated into a graph. A photo of the carotid artery test is attached below.

It's all very organized and the testing, even when I've had 7-8 tests scheduled, has never taken longer than 30 minutes. The tests I've had recently are:
Carotid Artery Disease
Atrial Fibrillation
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Osteoporosis
High Cholesterol Screening/Complete Lipid Panel
Body Mass Index

For the atrial fibrillation test, a technician attaches EKG electrodes to your arms and wrists and takes readings.

The peripheral arterial disease test compares the blood pressure in your legs to that in your arms. I removed my socks and shoes and pressure cuffs were placed around my upper arms and ankles. A small ultrasound device then measured the systolic blood pressure in my limbs.

I received a detailed 20-page test results within 2-3 weeks of taking the last set of tests.