Mount St. Mary's to hold free vascular health screening

Mount St. Mary's Hospital will host a free vascular health screening program from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the hospital: 5300 Military Road, Lewiston.

Appointments are currently being accepted and the screening will include carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and pulse oximetry.

Vascular disease, involving an abnormal condition of the blood vessels outside the heart, can affect anyone. Some circulation problems, like varicose and spider veins, are not life-threatening. Others, like deep vein thrombosis and peripheral artery disease, can be. Mount St. Mary's warns that, if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of stroke or vascular illness, you may be at increased risk for vascular disease.

Screenings are open to men and women over the age of 50 who smoke or have one or more of the following medical conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart/leg ailments, family history of heart disease or prior stroke.

Appointments are limited, and registration is required. Call 716-447-6205.