University of Iowa News Release

Aug. 30, 2007

UI vascular disease specialists to offer free screening tests

Specialists with the Division of Vascular Surgery in the Department of Surgery will host a free American Vascular Association comprehensive screening from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 13-14, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to check for noncardiac vascular disease.

The screening will be held in Surgery Specialty Clinics, located on the first level of the John Colloton Pavilion across from Elevator F. You should not consume anything by mouth, including water, for six hours prior to the screening.

While this screening is free of charge, advance registration is necessary because the number of people who can be accommodated is limited. Contact UI Health Access at 319-384-8442 or toll free at 800-777-8442 to register.

The screening is beneficial for people age 60 and older with a history of smoking or a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The screening will take about one hour and includes:

--A carotid ultrasound to check blood flow in the neck.
--An aortic ultrasound to detect an enlarged aorta, the main artery in the heart.
--An ankle/brachial index that measures blood pressure in the upper arms and ankles.
--A physician consultation to review your results.

This complimentary screening is sponsored by UI Heart and Vascular Care.

STORY SOURCE: Joint Office for Marketing and Communications, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Room E110 GH, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1009

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Moore 319-356-3945, thomas-moore@uiowa.edu