The Vascular Institute of Chattanooga is providing a free carotid ultrasound test to veterans as a "show of appreciation to the men and women who have honorably served our country."
Screenings can be scheduled by attending “Wills for Veterans” at 11 a.m. on Nov. 12 at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Court Building, 600 Market St. The event, in partnership with the Chattanooga Bar Association, provides low-income military veterans with free advance directive for health care and basic wills.
“Veterans are our nation’s most important citizens. Their service to this country is why America is the great place it is,” said Dr. Chris LeSar, VIC founding physician and vacular surgeon. “We’re excited to help ensure our veterans remain healthy for years to come.”
"The most common forms of vascular disease are abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) — all serious and life-threatening, often occurring "silently" without any symptoms. For this reason, early detection and treatment are crucial," officials said.
The screenings will be performed by a registered vascular technologist in a private ultrasound room at VIC. The screening process for all three tests performed is quick — about 10 minutes for each test — and painless. An appointment will be scheduled at a time convenient for the veteran.
"Vascular diseases are conditions that affect the blood vessels — arteries and veins — that carry blood throughout the body. Vascular disease that affects the arteries is most often caused by atherosclerosis, a process resulting from a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on the inner lining of the arteries," officials said. "As the buildup of plaque progresses, blood flow can become restricted or the artery may dilate and become aneurismal, like a bubble on an inner tube. Narrowing or blockages of arteries can occur in the arteries near the heart (cardiovascular disease), or in arteries farther from the heart, such as those in the arms, legs, and brain."