You may be at risk for developing peripheral vascular disease (PVD) a disease of the arteries if you fit into any of the following descriptions:  - over the age of 60 - a smoker - a diabetic - overweight - don¹t exercise - have high blood pressure or high cholesterol - have a family history of heart or vascular disease

PVD is most commonly characterized by leg or hip pain that occurs during walking or exercising, but disappears after a few minutes of rest. PVD serves as a warning sign of potential heart attack, stroke or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Early detection of PVD through screening enables physicians to treat the disease before such serious problems develop.

The free screenings will be held in the UAMS Vascular Lab from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 8.

Each screening at UAMS will consist of blood pressure measurements in the ankles and arms, ultrasounds of the carotid arteries in the neck and of the abdominal aorta, and a brief consultation with a vascular surgeon. The screening will take approximately one hour.

There are a limited number of appointment times; to schedule an appointment, call 501/686-5318.