title: Cardiovascular Testing in Asymptomatic Patients: Carotid Duplex, Cardiac Stress Testing, Screen for Peripheral Arterial Disease.
abstract: Approximately one-third of deaths in the United States are from cardiovascular disease. Managing modifiable risk factors is paramount to reducing risk of heart disease and stroke. It is logical to try to identify patients with silent disease that may predispose them to significant morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, it is unclear if routine screening for the presence of carotid stenosis, coronary artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease is beneficial. Many of these tests are expensive. This review explores the evidence behind screening tests, costs associated with the tests, and the implications of positive screening for each of the 3 listed conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3701 Market Street, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: David.aizenberg@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Aizenberg
mesh_terms: D055109:Ankle Brachial Index; D058070:Asymptomatic Diseases; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000191:economics; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex / Q000191:economics
keywords: Cardiac stress testing; Cardiovascular screening; Carotid artery stenosis; Peripheral vascular disease