The leading causes of illness and premature death, such as stroke and cardiovascular disease, can be prevented through regular health screenings. Most people understand the importance of prevention in regards to dental health, but there is another kind of plaque inside the arteries that can be more dangerous and restrict blood flow and lead to stroke or cardiovascular disease. Despite this, far fewer people schedule vascular health screenings compared to dentist visits, despite this being the leading cause of death in the United States. Early detection of these diseases can prevent complex treatments or recovery later. The article includes affiliate links, which may earn us a commission, to support truthful and independent journalism.