MEDICAL NEWS

Let’s say you’re the typical middle-aged American. You lead an active lifestyle; you work hard and play hard. You try to eat right, exercise regularly and keep stress levels in a moderate range. You know the risk factors for heart disease and realize that, with your family’s history, you are at a higher risk for developing it yourself. How can you arm yourself with information and preventive measures?

During American Heart Month, Russell Medical offers three important heart screenings to help assess changes in the heart. One would be a calcium-score screening heart test. The test involves a noninvasive CT scan that provides enhanced 3D images of the heart to detect calcium deposits found in the atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. CT scans, such as this one, are the most sensitive approaches to early detection of coronary artery disease, before symptoms develop. This screening tool takes just a few minutes to conduct. A copy of your test will be sent to one of the four cardiologists on staff at Russell Medical, in addition to your primary care physician. The cost is $90.

Another simple, yet important, test is the stroke prevention ultrasound screening for $75. This carotid artery ultrasound can spot subtle thickening due to plaque on the artery walls that could lead to stroke. In addition, Russell Medical also offers a limited echocardiogram screening, which uses sound waves (ultrasound) to generate 3D moving images of the heart. This assesses the chambers and valves and tells how well your heart muscle and heart valves are functioning. Cost for this screening is $125. Contact Russell Medical at 256-329-7826 to schedule and register for these screenings. Please note that these are screening tests that are not covered by insurance. Appointments are required, and payments for the screenings must be made prior to the tests. The Centers for Disease Controlindicates that heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow could cause a heart attack. Sometimes, heart disease may be silent and not diagnosed until a person experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure or an arrhythmia. When these events happen, symptoms may include: n Heart attack: Chest pain or discomfort; upper back or neck pain; indigestion; heartburn; nausea or vomiting; extreme fatigue; upper body discomfort; dizziness and shortness of breath. n Arrhythmia: Fluttering feelings in the chest

(palpitations) n Heart failure: Shortness of breath; fatigue; or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen or neck veins.

High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of Americans have at least one of these three risk factors. Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices also could put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including diabetes; being overweight and obese; an unhealthy diet; physical inactivity; and excessive alcohol use. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hypertension, is dangerous and far too common. In fact, one in three adults in the United States has the condition. High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, but it does have consequences. The only way to know if you’re at risk for high blood pressure is to know your numbers. The optimum number is 120/80.

Be proactive with your health, and see a doctor for regular check-ups.

~ Susan Foy is marketing director for Russell Medical. Susan Foy Medical News Show your heart some love