February brings a full calendar of moments to celebrate, including the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and the important reminder that it’s also American Heart Month. I appreciate that we dedicate an entire month to heart health—it’s the perfect opportunity to learn how to care for our hearts and to take advantage of heart and vascular screenings offered by The Christ Hospital Health Network. These screenings play an important role in early detection, and The Christ Hospital even provides a mobile heart and vascular unit where you can conveniently schedule an appointment. Kathy Ziegler, Clinical Director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at The Christ Hospital, shared more with me about the value of these screenings and what you can expect from the process.
The importance of heart screenings
Heart and vascular screenings are so important, but why? Kathy said, “That’s because it could save your life! Often, we don’t have symptoms until something devastating happens like a stroke, heart attack, or aneurysmal rupture. Screening helps catch potential issues before they become serious — when they’re easier to manage and treat.”
Everyone can get a screening, but Kathy said heart and vascular screenings are “recommended for anyone 60 or older, but — especially people 50 years or older with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, who smoke or, have a family history of heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or abdominal aneurysm. But we don’t discriminate, anyone who is worried about their heart and vascular health and wants to be proactive can get the screening.”
What to expect
I know that people can often feel a little nervous about having a heart and vascular screening, so it’s important to know what to expect. Kathy said, “It is very easy! It is four quick tests that are pieces of big tests, but they are the most important pieces.”
Here's what the screening includes:
A 30 second EKG to check your heart rhythm and determine if you're in atrial fibrillation.
Blood pressure measurements in both arms and both ankles to assess circulation in your legs.
An abdominal ultrasound to examine your abdominal aorta and check for aneurysms.
A carotid ultrasound to look for plaque buildup in your internal carotid arteries, which can increase stroke risk.
And the results from your screening happen pretty quickly and appear in your MyChart. Kathy explained, “The EKG portion of the screening will be read by one of our cardiologists and the remaining portions are read by one of our vascular surgeons. Your results will appear in your TCH MyChart if you have it, and if you don’t, we will mail your results to you, and they will also go to your primary care provider.
“Results give clarity. Some people get peace of mind, while others receive recommendations for follow-up care, lifestyle changes, or next steps with a provider — all focused-on prevention and early intervention.”
Take charge of your health
If you have a family history of heart or vascular disease—or simply want to be proactive—now is a great time to get started. You can schedule your screening online, choosing the time and location that works best for you. No physician referral is required, and the screening is an out‑of‑pocket set cost of $75.
You can also schedule by calling The Christ Hospital scheduling department at 513‑585‑2668.
Most screenings take place on The Christ Hospital Mobile Heart Unit at one of their convenient outpatient center locations, but you can also choose to have your screening completed at the main campus if you prefer.
Take a step toward protecting your health this February—and beyond.