Despite a 25 percent drop in the death rate for coronary heart disease, it is still the number one killer of men and women.
You can take control of your heart health by doing simple things like:
- Controlling your blood pressure
- Controlling your cholesterol levels
- Living a healthy lifestyle by
- Eating right and
- Stopping smoking
But you also need to know your risk for heart disease. To help you understand your risk, UI Heart and Vascular Center offers a comprehensive heart risk assessment. Christina Clair, MS, cardiac rehab specialist with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, talks about the risk assessment program:
Could you explain what a heart risk assessment is for those who are not sure?
Our assessment determines what your risk factors are. We look at what your risk for heart disease is based on those risk factors. We can then give you preventative actions you can take to reduce that risk.
Who should consider having a heart risk assessment?
Anyone who wants to know their risk for heart disease can come in and have an assessment. Certainly if you are a smoker or you have a family history of heart disease, I would recommend an assessment.
When a person comes into an assessment, what will they be asked to do?
There are two levels of our assessments. For both assessments you'll be asked to fast for at least 12 hours.
- Basic assessment - we draw your fasting lipid and glucose profile, check your heart rate and blood pressures, and do a 12-lead EKG to give you a basic baseline for your records.
- Comprehensive assessment – includes everything from the basic level and adda a treadmill test. We can then give you an exercise prescription that's individualized for you to go home with.
How long does an assessment take?
The basic takes about an hour, depending on how many questions you have. If you add in the treadmill test, it's about an hour and a half to two hours. Most people, if they do the treadmill, are only on it between six and 12 minutes.
How soon are results available to the person taking the assessment?
We review the results during the assessment so we can give you guidelines to take home.
What do you do with the assessment results?
We send the results to your primary care physician. We also put them in the records at UI Hospitals and Clinics, so they are available to your doctor here. If you are referred to a UI cardiologist for a more in-depth evaluation we can refer you on.
How much does an assessment cost? Will insurance/flex spending cover an assessment?
Actually, it's a pretty good deal. The basic with all of the blood work and the EKG is $60, and the comprehensive with the treadmill test is $185. You will pay the fee when you come in. We give you a receipt; and most insurance companies will cover those with flex benefits.
Is there a specific demographic, whether it be male or female—or maybe age group—that you would recommend doing the assessment on a regular basis? What age should people about start these?
I would go more by if you're a smoker or if you have a family history. I think people over the age of 25 or 30 who are not physically active, don't eat very well, and feel like they want to make a change, and want to know what their risk is for heart disease should come in. It's good for peace of mind.
Where should someone call to find out more if they are interested in scheduling an appointment?
You can call 319-356-2777 to schedule an assessment. |
