May 21, 2009

Marc Passman. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Blood clots in leg veins kill more than 100,000 Americans each year. Diseases of the veins also can cause other serious conditions, including varicose veins, chronic leg swelling and 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.

Monday June 1, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, the UAB Vein Clinic at UAB Highlands 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 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 205-996-8346 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. "Through this screening program we hope to educate the public about venous health care problems, risk factors, prevention and treatment options."

Passman said people most at risk for venous disease include men and women ages 40 and older with leg pain or swelling, or anyone with a family history of venous disease such as blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) or varicose veins.

The screening is non-invasive, painless and risk-free. It includes 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

About UAB

The UAB Vein Clinic offers comprehensive evaluation, state-of-the-art treatments that provide the highest quality in both cosmetic and minimally invasive vein treatment options, compassionate care by medical professionals who specialize in vein disease and physicians who are certified in vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery.