Do you have a family history of heart disease, vascular disease, aortic aneurysm or stroke? Do you smoke, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or are obese? These are only a few of many risk factors and reasons why you want to come in for our newly offered Heart and Vascular Screenings performed right here at Windom Area Health! Even if none of these risk factors or family history apply to you, it is still a great opportunity for preventative care.
What are Heart and Vascular Screenings?
Heart screenings offer detailed pictures of your heart checking for plaque buildup. Vascular screenings check for aortic aneurysms, blockage or narrowing in your carotid arteries, which can lead to stroke, and poor circulation.
Who should get the screenings?
Anyone with the risk factors listed above or anyone above the age of 40. If you are symptomatic, we ask that you please see your provider.
How often will Windom Area Health be offer screenings?
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
What can I expect when I come for my screenings?
When you come in for your appointment, you will register at the front desk and pay for your tests. You will receive paperwork to fill out while you wait for our employee health nurse to come get you, who will lead you back to the Imaging Department where you will start with a CT scan. They will position a few small electrodes on your chest and place you in the scanner. This exam will take roughly 5 minutes and is painless. Next, you will go across the hall to ultrasound for your vascular screening portion, where pictures will be taken of your neck and abdomen, and blood pressures in your arms and ankles. This again is very short and painless. Once your imaging is complete, you will go back with our health nurse and she will perform a finger poke to check your non-fasting cholesterol as well as review the results of your scans. The entire screening process will take roughly an hour.
How will I get results?
You will receive results the same time you come in for your exam. The results do not go to your physician, as it is a screening exam. You will be in charge of getting the results to your doctor.
How often are the screenings recommended?
This depends on your results. It is recommended to have a screening every 10 years.
What is the cost for the exams?
$50 each or $75 for both screenings. If you have a HSA or flex spending account, this qualifies!
Heart and vascular screenings have been a very popular screening tool over the past few years and we are very excited to start offering them in 2024 right here in Windom! Previously, they were offered twice a year with the Sanford Mobile Truck service and always had a very full schedule with long waitlists to get in. Being able to offer these more often with Windom Area Health staff is a wonderful service for us to be able to provide on-site for our community.
Early detection allows you and your provider to make changes now to reduce or prevent problems later. This affordable, painless test gives you and your doctor a better look at your risk for heart and vascular disease. Give yourself and family some peace of mind with a heart and vascular screen; it could save your life!
For more information or to get signed up for your screenings, call 507-831-0670!
By Christie Anderson, RDMS (OB/GYN,AB), Ultrasound Tech