Stroke Detection Plus will be conducting stroke and vascular screenings in Austin on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Hy-Vee.

A total of 44 people were screened in the last screening that came to Austin in January 2008. Out of those 44 people screened, six were found to have disease. That is 13.6 percent of the people who came through the screening. There were one “critical” reported; one “significant” reported; and 16 “moderate” indicators for stroke. Four people had “abnormal” results for peripheral vascular disease. No one was found with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Seven of 20 with low bone density.

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-thirds 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.

One testimonial speaks volumes about the importance of the testing.

“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. It turned out I was 80 to 90 percent blocked.”

There are three simple tests people can have to tell if they are stroke-prone: first, tell them to smile; second, tell them to raise their hands above their head; and third, have them say a simple sentence. If someone has one or any combination of the warning signs, it is critical to dial 911. Also, it is important to know there are risk factors that can predict a stroke:

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 here 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. Each individual test is $40. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling toll-free, (877) 732-8258.