We could help you avoid a stroke…
Phew! What a busy job I’ve landed. Into the 3rd week now and enjoying the job. Longer days are rewarded with a day off each week.
Anyway, expect a thinner smattering of blog posts because of this.
Two patients saw me last week clutching a Lifeline Screening leaflet. The post title is in large letters on the front cover of the leaflet.
Their vascular and heart rhythm package costs £139.00 and includes five tests. The leaflet goes on to explain;
1. Ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries.
to check for build up of plaque, a major cause of stroke.
2. 4-limb ECG.
which can identify AF, an intermittent condition which can increase the risk of stroke 5 times.
3. Ultrasound of the abdomen.
to check for an enlargement in the main artery (an AAA).
4. Ultrasound wrists and ankles.
an abnormal result may indicate a risk for peripheral arterial disease and increase risk of heart attack.
That’s only 4 test, but for an additional £10 you can also have;
5. Osteoporosis screening.
an ultrasound screen to check for the risk of osteoporosis.
“if signs are found, you can visit your GP who can help you determine the best steps for you”.
“when you know you are at risk, you and your GP will be empowered to take preventive steps such as lifestyle modifications, or medical management”.
Where, in the name of chocolate teapots, do I start?
This is all about using diagnostic clinical investigations as screening tests. Is the company aiming to improve the primary prevention of stroke in the population?
It feels like I’m standing at the wrong end of a telescope here and I would be concerned at the number of false positives produced by these investigations.
Lifeline Screening have “screened” over 75,000 UK residents so far. I wonder how much GP time that has created?
Please – how does a one-off 4-lead screen for intermittent AF unless it happens to happen during the recording?
I’ve actually just had most of these plus a few more because of a TGA episode (most likely diagnosis). I don’t really think the absence of anything significant this spring will really reassure me in two or 3 years time. They were done because the consultant didn’t listen to me (or ask me either) and made up a previous “history” from misunderstanding something my husband said and felt she had to rule out epilepsy.
My family history suggests I have a high likelihood of stroke or cardiovascular disease, and I am overweight for my height (short, muscular and built like the proverbial, same shape as my father, mother and most other family members, I hate it but I ain’t going to starve to lose the weight and there is a limit to the amount of exercise a 56-year-old with mild arthritis can do being as I can’t ski all year round). Did you notice the lifeline “screening” was described by the Beeb as a “whole body scan” not a “whole body screening”? I’m surprised they havn’t bought a CT scanner!!!