Heart & Vascular Mobile Screenings
Mobile Heart Screenings on Hold
Our mobile screening bus is currently being used for COVID-19 testing and vaccine outreach. Heart & Vascular mobile screenings are on hold.
Heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of death in North Carolina. Many of these deaths are the result of preventable chronic conditions including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, tobacco smoke, diabetes, physical inactivity, and being overweight or obese.
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that the key to preventing cardiovascular disease is managing risk factors in their early stages.
Mobile Diagnostic Screenings
The REX Heart & Vascular Mobile Unit team brings potentially life-saving screenings to a convenient community or workplace setting using the most up to date technology. We believe in early detection and education. We conduct screenings in many convenient locations around Wake County.
These seven simple, painless, high-quality screenings include:
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
An aneurysm is an abnormal ballooning or enlargement of a blood vessel. When this occurs in the abdominal portion of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body), it is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An ultrasound of the abdomen is performed to assess for bulging vessels. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst, which is life threatening. Aneurysms are often caused, or made worse, by high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure
This screening measures the systolic and diastolic pressures. The higher one’s blood pressure, the greater the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.
Body Mass Index (BMI) & Waist Circumference
Being overweight or obese are labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. Body mass index (BMI) is used because for most people it correlates with their amount of body fat. Individuals who are overweight or obese have been shown to have an increased likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
Cardiac Ejection Fraction
The proportion, or fraction, of blood pumped out of your heart with each beat is called the ejection fraction (EF). A healthy heart pumps out a little more than half the heart’s volume of blood with each beat. An ultrasound of the heart assesses left ventricular blood flow or heart muscle function. Patients with an ejection fraction of 40 percent or less have a much higher risk for stroke.
Cholesterol
The risk for heart disease and stroke increases with rising blood cholesterol levels. The cholesterol lipid test is an analysis of a small blood sample taken via finger stick to assess both HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. As blood cholesterol exceeds 220 ml/dl, the risk for heart disease increases at a more rapid rate.
Diabetes
Blood glucose (or blood sugar) tests measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in blood. People with high blood sugar levels may have diabetes because of the body’s inability to use insulin properly. Individuals with a low blood sugar level are said to have hypoglycemia. During a diabetes screening, a small blood sample taken via finger stick is analyzed to assess the sugar content in the blood. Diabetes is a known risk factor for heart disease.
NOTE: A 12 hour fast is recommended before the cholesterol and blood glucose test to ensure more accurate results. Elevated glucose levels may be caused by diabetes or by the patient having eaten within an hour before the test.
Stroke (Carotid Artery Doppler)
A stroke results from the disruption of adequate blood flow to the brain. The most common source of disruption is a significant narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries which are the main blood supply to the brain. The carotid doppler examination is a non-invasive and painless ultrasound scan of the neck arteries to detect plaque buildup.
$149 - Full Package:
- Ultrasounds of chest, neck and abdomen
- Consult with RN
- Blood Pressure
- BMI
- Full Lipid Panel plus Glucose
$115 - Ultra Sound Package:
Follow Up
The results of these screenings are completely confidential and are provided to you immediately during a consultation with a registered, licensed nurse. Also included in this consultation is a comprehensive list of recommendations for leading a healthier life. For any result deemed high-risk, patients will be encouraged to follow up with their physician.
Schedule a Screening
Individuals
Our mobile Heart & Vascular screenings have been paused indefinitely due to COVID. Instead, we invite you to complete our complimentary HeartAware assessment to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Corporations
To learn more about how to bring the REX Heart & Vascular Mobile Unit screenings to your workplace, contact Lisa Horton at 919-784-6037 or by email.
Our Process
Watch the video below to learn how to schedule a screening and what happens on the day of your screening.