Many people in our community "of a certain age" (including this author) have recently received direct mail solicitation from a company advertising "We can help you avoid a stroke ... four tests in less than 1 hour."

If you are considering these tests for yourself or a loved one, DON’T DO IT. Save your money. If you have concerns about any of the conditions described in the promotional literature, see your doctor and discuss it with him or her. If any medical tests are appropriate for you, they are covered by your insurance (if ordered by a doctor) because they have been medically proven to be effective in possibly prolonging your life.

Q: What are the tests offered?

A: The tests being offered are ultrasounds of the carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries in the legs and heel of the foot.

Q: These tests are painless and fairly inexpensive. What is the problem with having them done?

A: These tests are offered as screening tests. By definition, a medical screening test is to detect a disease in a person having NO SYMPTOMS.

And there is no reason to have a screening test unless there is clear evidence that having such a test will result in the condition being treated and the patient subsequently living longer.

Effective screening tests include a Pap smear to detect cervical cancer, a colonoscopy to find colon cancer, and a blood sugar test to diagnose diabetes. The problem with the ultrasounds is that only one of them has been recommended by panels of experts for use as a screening test.

Q: Which test is that?

A: Several panels of experts have recommended that men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have ever smoked should have an abdominal aortic ultrasound to screen for the presence of an aneurysm.

If it is large enough, surgical repair of the aneurysm will prevent the aneurysm from rupturing, thus allowing the patient to live longer.

Q: What about the three other conditions that are being screened for with this package of tests?

A: Narrowing of the carotid artery (in the neck) can be a cause of a stroke. Osteoporosis of the bones can lead to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. Narrowing of the arteries in the legs can cause pain in the legs and even lead to amputation.

Q: Then why not have those tests done?

A: Because there is no medical evidence that having the tests done when you have no symptoms does you any good. The National Stroke Association has stated that, "Mass screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (narrowing) is not effective." Similarly, studies have failed to show any benefit to screening for peripheral vascular disease. There is a benefit for some people to be screened for osteoporosis, but there are better screening tests available that are covered by medical insurance. Abnormal results on any of these tests typically leads to more patient anxiety, a visit to your personal physician, and more extensive testing to refute or confirm the test results.

Q: But I’m concerned about having a stroke. What should I do?

A: The best thing to do is consult your doctor. The major risk factors for stroke are smoking, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle and high blood pressure. You can control all of these factors with help from your physician.

Dr. Benjamin Friedell is staff physician at Oneonta Family Practice and is board-certified in family practice and geriatrics.