Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., killing almost 300,000 women a year — that’s nearly one in every five female deaths — yet only about half of women recognize it as their No. 1 threat.
But what if you had a magic lens that could see inside your body and find heart issues you could fix before they become a problem? A simple vascular or calcium screening can give you and your doctors valuable insight into the health of your heart. More importantly, these screenings could reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, heart disease and other serious conditions.
What do these screenings entail? These non-invasive tests usually involve an ultrasound on your neck, abdomen and legs, plus blood pressure monitoring. They might also include a cardiac rhythm strip or a finger-stick to collect blood. These screenings generally are not covered by insurance, but are offered as part of specially priced packages.
One very popular and effective set of tests is the vascular screening package. It includes an ultrasound of the legs to check for varicose veins, a sign of venous disease. It also includes an ultrasound of the carotid arteries, since plaque buildup can clog the artery or break off, leading to a stroke. Your screening team will also monitor your blood pressure and check for peripheral artery disease, as well as blockages in your abdominal aorta, which can also lead to stroke.
Another effective test is the calcium heart screening. This includes a simple CT scan of your heart to detect calcium buildup in your arteries, heart disease and your risk for heart attack.
To qualify for these heart and vascular screenings, you must be age 45 or older and have at least one of the following risk factors:
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family history of heart disease
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high blood pressure
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high cholesterol
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smoking
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peripheral vascular disease
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more than ideal body weight
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diabetes
Today’s advanced technology screenings do a lot more than tell you numbers — they provide actual evidence of potential heart problems so you can take action to fix them. A healthy heart can help you regain your energy and continue your active lifestyle for years to come. Take the time now to peek inside your body and ensure your heart is as healthy as possible so that in the coming years you don’t miss a beat.
Click here to request your screening today.