Madelia Health Offers New Life-saving Screenings

Madelia, Minn. –  Madelia Health is offering a new stroke and cardiovascular disease screening package for just $100. In the United States, nearly 800,000 people suffer a stroke each year. In four out of five people, there aren’t any symptoms to indicate a stroke is about to happen, so screenings are important. The new screening package includes the following exams:

Carotid Artery Disease: Ultrasound to screen carotid arteries for fatty plaque buildup. Carotid arteries are blood vessels in the neck that bring blood to your brain. This plaque, known as atherosclerosis, is one of the leading causes of stroke.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test is performed using blood pressure cuffs on the arms and legs. PAD increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Ultrasound to screen the abdominal aorta for the presence of an enlargement or aneurysm. AAA can lead to a ruptured aortic artery, a serious medical emergency.

The tests are offered Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through the direct access program in the Radiology Department. Call 507.642.5200 for an appointment. The $100 payment is required at the time of service with cash, check or credit card.

Any of these sudden symptoms can indicate a stroke: loss of balance or dizziness, unexplained changes in vision, facial drooping or severe headache, arm weakness or numbness, and trouble speaking or confusion. Stroke care begins by calling 911. Ambulance crews are trained to evaluate and transport patients to the most appropriate care. Stroke-ready hospitals, like Madelia Health, can diagnose, stabilize, and provide emergency treatments to patients with acute stroke symptoms.

Photo caption: Sonographer Dana Timm demonstrates the Carotid Artery Disease ultrasound that is a part of the screening package on Tatiana Callejas from Madelia Health Patient Services.