Reminiscent of a ship that sends astronauts into orbit, the Artery Explorer visited Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital’s parking lot in Downers Grove June 10 offering visitors a free trip through simulated arteries.

In a little less than six minutes — and a few quick shifts and bumps later — riders have learned about good and bad cholesterol, blood pressure and what they can do to keep arteries healthy and what is out of their control.

Rhea Lewis, senior manager of corporate affairs for U.S. Against Athero, said the ride, which is attached to a semi-truck, has been traveling around the country for the past year inviting people to learn about a leading cause of heart attack and stroke.

“It’s about awareness,” Lewis said. “And having people take charge of their own health.”

Athero, short for atherosclerosis, describes a build up of plaque in the body’s arteries that makes it difficult for blood to flow. The amount of athero is affected by a variety of factors from food to age.

Good Sam employees Kim Lindsey and Steve Kramp took a ride together on the Artery Explorer while it was parked in the hospital’s parking lot.

“It was very informative,” said Lindsey, adding that more interactive simulators similar to the Artery Explorer should be created for other health conditions in order to boost awareness.

Kramp said because the information about artery and heart disease is incorporated into a ride, the message can speak to people of a variety of ages and possibly result in blood tests earlier in life to check cholesterol.

Lauren Iwema, corporate event director with the American Heart Association, said last week’s visit to Good Sam was the first time the Artery Explorer stopped at a hospital. It makes its regular appearances at heart walks around the country.