CNI "Tests 4 Life" SCREENING PROGRAMS

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The aorta is the main artery that originates in the heart and travels through the chest and abdomen. As the artery lining weakens from age, disease or other factors, the vessel wall can thin and expand; thus, increasing the risk for leaking or rupture. An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), is a condition in which the aorta, the largest artery in the body, stretches and balloons in the abdomen. An AAA leak or rupture represents a medical emergency. Ultrasound is used to assess abdominal aortic integrity.  

 Any persons age 40+ Should consider this screening     approximately every 1-3 years.

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Emphysema
• Genetic factors
• Gender (males have a higher      risk)
• Personal history of aneurysm
• Lower extremity peripheral artery disease

The abdominal aorta is the main artery that originates in the heart. As the lining weakens from age and other risk factors, the vessel wall can thin and expand. The most common location for an AAA is between the level of the kidneys and where it divides to supply blood to the pelvis and legs. 

Many people with abdominal aortic aneurysm do not experience symptoms until leaking or a rupture occurs. The most common warning signs are:

• Intense back or abdominal      pain
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Shock

The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. Ultrasound imaging is used to detect plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries which could compromise blood flow resulting stroke. Carotid artery disease typically develops slowly and without symptoms.

The carotid artery disease screening is for those at risk for atherosclerosis and for those who have a family history of stroke or heart disease.  Persons 40+ should consider this screening yearly.  

•  Age 40+
• Family history of carotid artery disease or coronary artery disease
• Smoking (past or present)
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• Abnormal blood lipid patterns
• Obesity

Carotid Artery Disease is plaque in the carotid arteries, the large arteries in your neck that take blood to your brain. Carotid Artery Disease is a major risk factor for stroke, developing slowly and often without symptoms.

In its early stages, carotid artery disease often doesn't produce any symptoms. The condition may go unnoticed until it is serious enough to deprive your brain of blood, causing a stroke. Warning signs of a stroke are: 

• Sudden numbness or weakness in face or limbs
• Severe headache
• Sudden trouble seeing
• Sudden difficulty talking
• Dizziness

Digital retinal screening refers to the use of a special microscope and camera to image and photograph the back of the eye, an area referred to as the retina. The images reflect the health of numerous tissues including the optic nerve, macula, retina and small blood vessels. 

Individuals with hypertension or diabetes ages 30 or above should be seen annually or semi-annually or quarterly for anyone with high risk. 

• Family history of cardiovascular disease or stroke
• Age 30+
• Tobacco usage, past or present
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Clotting disorder
• Vision impairment
• Cognitive impairment
• Liver disease

Digital retinal screening refers to the use of a special microscope and camera to image and photograph the back of the eye, an area referred to as the retina. The images reflect the health of numerous tissues including the optic nerve, macula, retina and small blood vessels. Retinal imaging is used to diagnose systemic and eye conditions. The integrity of small blood vessels in the back of the eye often represents small vessel changes in other regions of the body including the brain. Retinal images also reveal abnormalities which may threaten normal vision.

The majoring of people with microvascular disease (MVD) affecting the health of their eye, more specifically the retina will not experience symptoms, but these are the warning signs:

• Microvaricies
• Easy bruising
• Poor wound healing
• High blood pressure
• Periodic lightheadedness and      dizziness 
• Progressive cognitive      impairment
• Difficulty with balance 
• Distal extremity numbness, tingling, burning, or loss of sensation
• Intermittent or persistent  discoloration of fingers tips or toes
• Vision difficulty or impairment

A specialized electronic (digital) stethoscope is used to listen to and record heart valve sounds. This provides an effective method for detecting the presence of heart valve dysfunction or disease. 

Anyone with risk factors ages 20 and older should have this screening annually (Quarterly or semi-annually for those at high risk.  

•   Poor diet
• Overweight
• Family history of      cardiovascular disease or stroke
• Tobacco usage, past or      present
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• History of rheumatic fever 
• Peripheral edema
• Inactivity
• Periodontal disease 

There are two primary types of evaluation used to evaluate the integrity and function of heart valves. The most common procedure is listening to the heart valve sounds from the chest using a traditional acoustic stethoscope. The second most common method of evaluating heart valve integrity is the use of special technology referred to as ultrasound. The specific test is referred to as an echocardiogram. The procedure is performed by capturing sonar data by placing a probe at specific areas of the chest. The ultrasound or sonar is used to help visualize and measure heart valve functions. Either test can be used as a screening. Another specialized form of technology which provides an effective method of screening is to use of an electronic “digital” stethoscope with sound recording and plotting when necessary. The character, loudness and quality of heart valve sounds reflect their function. The presence of extra sound such as clicks or murmurs also represent specific types of valve dysfunction. Abnormal heart valves can be evaluated and localized fairly well utilizing a traditional or digital stethoscope.

There are four valves in the heart, two on the right and two on the left. A compromise heart valve may lead to reverse flow (regurgitation) or restricted flow. These conditions can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms dependent upon which valve is involved. Common warning signs of heart valve abnormalities include:

• Exertional shortness of      breath 
• Exertional chest pain 
• Heart irregularity (arrhythmia)
• Chronic cough
• Enlarged heart
• Malaise/fatigue
• Rapid weight changes
• Edema

The Chicago Neuroscience Institute (CNI) is committed to the early detection of stroke risk and the prevention of stroke. To help achieve this goal Institute offers a variety of safe, cost-efficient and accurate diagnostic tests to help detect the presence of heart (cardiac) and peripheral artery (vascular) disease which increase the risk for stroke. At this time diagnostic and screening tests are only available for patients of the Institute. 

• Do not let undiagnosed heart disease or peripheral vascular disease compromise the health of loved ones or the life you love. Schedule a safe, affordable and accurate health screening today.it.

• To Schedule an appointment today Call 847-888-1811.

Chicago Neuroscience Institute     

1795 Grandstand Place 

Elgin, Illinois, 60123 

Phone: 847-888-1811