March 25, 2008

• Free Vein Screening March 28

• Assesses vein health, clot risk

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Blood clots in the veins in people's legs kill more than 100,000 American each year. Diseases of the veins also can cause other serious conditions including varicose veins and chronic leg swelling as well as leg ulcers, yet most people are unaware of the importance of healthy veins. Even fewer know that vein health can be evaluated quickly and easily in a doctor's office.

Friday March 28, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., the UAB Vein Clinic is offering a free vein screening for the community, as part of a national venous screening program sponsored by the American Venous Forum. The screening program is designed to assess for deep venous obstruction and venous insufficiency. It also assesses the health of the leg veins and the risk of getting a blood clot in these veins. Call 205-934-2003 for more information or to make an appointment. There are limited slots available.

 "Many people know about heart disease and its impact but few people appreciate the seriousness of major venous diseases," said UAB Vascular Surgeon Marc Passman, M.D., and co-chairman of the national vein screening program. "Through this screening program we hope to educate the public about venous health care problems, risk factors, and prevention and treatment options."

The screening is non-invasive, painless and risk-free. It will include a medical questionnaire, a professional examination of the legs and an ultrasound scan of the leg veins. Each participant will be seen by a physician or other vascular health care professional with expertise in venous problems and will receive a "Venous Report Card" as a record of the findings to share with their own doctor.