Stroke Detection Plus, a mobile ultrasound service that does preventative health screenings throughout the Midwest, will be conducting stroke and vascular screenings in Austin Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Hy-Vee Food Store.

Stroke Detective Plus specializes in identifying the third-leading cause of death, the No. 1 cause of nursing home admission, and the No. 1 cause of disability, which is stroke.

Stroke Detection Plus’ goal is to prevent disease before it disables. Using ultrasound for early detection, 75 to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Furthermore, the condition of plaque buildup that leads to stroke can be reversed.

Of the 750,000 strokes that occurred last year, two-third of those people showed no signs or symptoms prior to having a stroke.

It is estimated that 97 percent of people would not recognize a sign or symptom if they were having one.

This can be a “silent disease” until it disables.

A Hayfield woman offers her own testimony to the value of the detection.

“I have had surgery on my right Carotid Artery and I am doing fine,” Marion Stanton said. “It is nice to have a heads up if something is wrong.”

“I am happy I received that with Stroke Detection Plus screening,” Stanton said. “It turned out I was 80 to 90 percent blocked. Since these tests are not normally ordered it is nice that they are so inexpensive.”

According to Stroke Detection Plus, It is very important to know the warning signs of a stroke.

They are:

 Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body.

 Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

 Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

 Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

 Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If someone has one or any combination of the warning signs it is critical to dial 911.

Also, important to know, are the risk factors that are a predictor of stroke.

They are:

 Over the age of 40

 More than 20 pounds overweight

 Family history of stroke or heart disease

 Diabetes

 Smoking

 High cholesterol

 High blood pressure

 Not exercising at least three times a week for 20 minutes

 Hypertension

 Irregular heartbeat

Stroke Detection Plus screens the carotid arteries looking for plaque buildup or blockage. The vast majority of strokes occur because of a lack of blood flow to the brain.

This test can determine the percentage of blockage restricting that flow.

The second test looks for aortic aneurysm, which is an enlargement of the vessel that feeds the lower extremities with blood.

The third test is for peripheral vascular disease, which is blockage in the arms and legs. An abnormal result puts people at a four to six times greater risk of coronary artery disease.

The final screening is for osteoporosis, which looks for low or abnormal bone mass.

All four tests are $120, or any three tests are $100 and each individual test is $40.

The screening will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling toll free (877) 732-8258.