6 important reasons to get screened

1. Stroke is the number one cause of severe disability in the UK and is the 3rd most common cause of death. According to the Stoke Association, “Every year, an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke.  More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke.”

It could happen to you, or someone you care for.

2. Having atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of a stroke by 5 times. AF is an irregularity of the heart beat that is easily detected by an electrical recording of the heart (ECG) According to the Stroke Association, “ AF is a common and preventable cause of stroke, yet too few patients at risk are being identified and treated.”

3. 1 in 10 men over the age of 65 years develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Most men who have an aneurysm have no symptoms. If the aneurysm enlarges and ruptures, it is usually fatal.

4. 1 in 20 people over the age of 55 years have some degree of PAD – a significant risk factor for heart disease.

5. High blood pressure or hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, heart attack and heart failure and peripheral artery disease. According to the Stroke Association, hypertension is a common condition affecting around 10 million people in the UK. Studies show that 4 out of 5 men and 2 out of 3 women with high blood pressure are not receiving treatment that may prevent heart attack and strokes.

6. All the tests are perfectly safe. X-rays and ionising radiation are not used to build up the pictures of the carotid arteries or aorta. No injections of dye are given into a vein. So there are no side effects, no allergic reactions and no long term risk of X-ray or radiation exposure.