Vascular Screenings

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Vascular screenings are quick, painless tests that check the health of your blood vessels. They can help find plaque buildup, blockages or weakened areas in arteries before serious problems occur. Early detection can help lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and other circulation problems.

At MercyOne, we offer affordable CT and ultrasound vascular screenings. Some screenings can be self-scheduled and paid for directly. A referral from your primary care provider is required for CT screenings.

Vascular screenings can help identify health problems early, giving you and your healthcare provider the opportunity to take proactive steps to protect your health.

Carotid Artery (Stroke) Ultrasound Screening

This ultrasound checks the carotid arteries in your neck, which carry blood to your brain. Over time, fatty deposits called plaque can build up inside these arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of stroke.

You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Have a family history of vascular disease
  • Are older in age
  • Smoke
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have diabetes

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound Screening

This screening looks for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a weakened area in the body's largest artery. As blood flows through the artery, the weakened area can expand and become dangerous if it grows too large. Most people with an AAA have no symptoms, making screening important.

You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Are over age 60
  • Smoke or have smoked
  • Have a family history of AAA
  • Have heart disease or other aneurysms

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Ultrasound Screening

This screening checks for plaque buildup in the arteries of the legs and feet. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the limbs.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Leg or hip pain while walking
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs
  • Tingling in the feet
  • Burning or aching pain in the feet or toes while resting

You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Are over age 50
  • Have diabetes
  • Are overweight
  • Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Do not exercise regularly

CT Coronary Calcium Score Screening

A CT coronary calcium score screening is a specialized imaging test that looks for calcium buildup in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. Calcium buildup is a sign of plaque, which can narrow or block the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

This quick, non-invasive CT scan can help detect heart disease before symptoms appear and give your provider a better understanding of your heart health. You may benefit from a coronary calcium score screening if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • A family history of heart disease

The results can help you and your provider make informed decisions about steps to protect your heart health. A referral from your healthcare provider is required before scheduling this screening.

Schedule your vascular screening at MercyOne.

MercyOne North Iowa Imaging Services scheduling at 641-428-6555. 

MercyOne Northeast Iowa Imaging Services - 319-272-7070.