Vascular Health Screening Program

The Vascular Health Screening Program helps physicians identify patients with atherosclerosis—hardening of the arteries that can lead to heart attacks, stroke and impaired blood flow to the legs—before it can be detected with blood or stress tests. Vascular health screening involves a painless test that does not require undressing, exercising, or drawing blood.

Approximately two weeks after you have completed the test, you will have a private session with a cardiovascular nurse practitioner who is an expert on cardiovascular risk assessment and personalized counseling.

Answers to several common questions are below, and more are detailed on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Click on a question to move to its associated answer.

You also may review patient information in the Vascular Health Screening Program brochure, available in .PDF format (note: this requires Acrobat Reader from Adobe).

If you have any further questions about the Vascular Health Screening Program, please feel free to call us at 608-263-7420 or see the UW Health Heart & Vascular Care Page. Physicians interested in vascular health screening can view the physician information page to access more technical information.

What is vascular health screening?

The UW Vascular Health Screening Program involves a unique test that is recommended by the American Heart Association. This test provides patients with a benchmark of their heart and vascular risk and counseling to improve their health.

Back to the top

Who should participate in this program?

This program is for people between 40 and 70 years old without known heart disease. Vascular health screening improves assessment of cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals who have a family history of heart disease, cholesterol disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes or who smoke.

Back to the top

What happens during the vascular screening?

This test measures carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT). This is a safe, non-invasive test that measures the thickness of your carotid artery. You lie flat for 30 to 40 minutes. A small amount of gel is applied to your neck. We will use sound beams to assess your carotid artery, because as the walls of your carotid artery become thicker, your risk of having a heart attack or stroke increases. CIMT measurement offers several advantages over the electron beam or computed helical tomography (EBCT or HeCT), commonly called a "heart scan" or "coronary calcium" scan. CIMT testing does not involve exposure to radiation and can be helpful in women, ethnic minorities, and younger patients whose arteries have not developed calcification.

Back to the top

How is the test interpreted?

Using the results of the CIMT test, your blood pressure, cholesterol values, and other measurements, a cardiovascular nurse specialist will provide expert, personalized guidance concerning exercise, diet, smoking cessation and control of your risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease.

Questionnaires, computer programs and measurement of your body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are also used in your post-screening counseling session. If you have not had a complete cholesterol panel and blood sugar level measured in the past three months, we will ask you to have fasting blood work prior to your meeting.

Back to the top

How do I sign up for a vascular health screening?

Your physician must order the vascular health screening test for you, and can do so by calling 608-263-7420.

Back to the top

How much does the screening cost?

The charge for Vascular Health Screening is $295.  Some of the tests and services may not be covered by health insurance. In the Madison area, insurance coverage is provided by Unity, Group Health Cooperative, and Physicians Plus for qualifying patients.  Please check with your provider.  Payment for all charges related to the Vascular Health Screening Program must be made prior to testing.  A report of the tests and risk assessment session will be sent to your ordering physician. You will get a copy of the report at the time of your personalized counseling session.

Back to the top

AIRP HomeThis page was designed and is maintained by Nersi Nikakhtar.
Last updated September 19, 2008