First Community Congregational Church in Lehigh Acres will host the life-saving services of Life Line Screening, the nation’s largest provider of community-based preventive screenings, in order to help local residents identify their risk of stroke, vascular disease and osteoporosis before the catastrophic effects of these conditions can occur, said Pastor Deb Frysinger, the church’s minister. The event is open to local residents and will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

A spokeswoman with Lifeline Screening said prices for the screenings range from $60 to $149. She said insurance does not cover the expense. It is an out-of-pocket cost, she said.

The conditions for which Life Line Screening screens are considered “silent killers” because they often strike without warning. Symptoms are rarely present and if they are, they are generally subtle, almost unnoticeable. In fact, four out of five people who have had a stroke showed no apparent warning signs prior to their attack. A simple screening may prevent death or disability.

Provided screenings will include:

Carotid Artery Screening painless, non-invasive Doppler ultrasound is used to visualize the carotid arteries, the arteries that bring blood to the brain. The majority of strokes are caused by plaque buildup in these arteries.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Ultrasound is used to visualize the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body, to measure the diameter of the aorta. This measurement can indicate if there is a weakening in the aortic wall which can cause a ballooning effect known as an aneurysm. Aneurysms can burst, which generally is fatal.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening PAD is also known as “hardening of the arteries.” Sufferers have a four to six fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Risk is evaluated through a measurement called the “Ankle-Brachial Index,” which is obtained by reading the systolic pressure in the ankle and arm.

Osteoporosis Screening Ultrasound is used to estimate the bone density of the heel. This can indicate if there is a reduction in bone density, which may indicate the presence of osteoporosis. The heel is used because it is similar in composition to the hip, where disabling fractures often occur.

Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that affects the atria – the upper chambers of the heart – and is the most common form of sustained arrhythmia. Some 2.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and for those over age 40, there is a one in four chance of developing the condition.

To pre-register for a screening contact Life Line Screening by calling 1-888-653-6441 or visiting www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners to make an appointment.