Last update:

07/01/2008

Women’s Heart Center Screening

The 45 minute comprehensive cardiac risk assessment screening is provided by an advanced practice nurse in The Women’s Heart Center. Screenings are offered at Women’s Heart Center offices located at either St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson or St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital in Wayne.

To schedule a comprehensive cardiac risk assessment screening at The Women’s Heart Center, please email Gail Thompson at gthompso@stjosephswomensheart.org or Lucy Ortiz at lortiz@stjosephswomensheart.org or call 973-754-2600.

The screening evaluates a woman’s risk factors for heart disease and stroke and includes the following:

A Complete Patient Medical History---This history will help to identify a woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease.

A Complete Family History--- Women are at an increased risk for heart disease if their family members, especially their female relatives have been diagnosed with heart disease.

Physical Exam--- This exam will focus on the cardiovascular system. This includes examination of the heart, lungs and major blood vessels in the body.

Blood Pressure Testing--- Blood pressure will be measured in both arms and both legs.

Cholesterol Testing and Blood Sugar—The total cholesterol, HDL or “good” cholesterol, the LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides and blood sugar will be measured. Results will be reviewed during the visit.

Waist/Hip/Neck Measurement, Waist to Hip Ratio, Body Mass Index and Body Fat Analysis--- Excess weight and body fat increases a woman’s risk for heart disease and diabetes. The area of the body where a woman carries her weight may also increase her risk for heart disease.

Ankle Brachial Index— The ratio of leg to arm blood pressure will be evaluated to determine the adequacy of circulation in the woman's legs.

Following the screening the advanced practice nurse discusses the physical examination and test results. Each woman’s individual risk for developing cardiovascular disease will be evaluated. The nurse will offer specific recommendations for lifestyle changes and provide information and strategies to reduce the risk for heart disease. Each woman will be given an individualized treatment plan that may include recommendations for additional cardiac testing.

Women whose initial evaluation indicates that they may be at intermediate or high risk for heart disease will be encouraged to undergo some of the following tests:

C-Reactive Protein--- A blood test that measures the level of inflammation in the body. Increased levels of C-Reactive protein may indicate that a woman is at an increased risk for having a heart attack or a stroke.
Echocardiogram - An Ultrasound of the heart which measures the size of the heart chambers, the heart's pumping capacity and the functioning of the heart valves.

Electrocardiogram—abbreviated as either EKG or ECG---is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Intimal Medial Thickness--- An ultrasound of the neck arteries. Thickening of the walls of these arteries indicates an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring— This is a CT Scan of the vessels supplying the heart with blood. The higher the calcium score the greater the risk for a heart attack.

Nuclear Stress Test—A test used to determine whether all areas of the heart are receiving an adequate amount of blood. Pictures are taken to compare the heart's blood supply at rest and after exercise.

Who Should Undergo A Comprehensive Cardiac Risk

Assessment Screening at The Women’s Heart Center?

Women who have:

· Diabetes or who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes

· Borderline or high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol

· Family history of heart disease

· Symptoms of heart disease, including shortness of breath, palpitations or fatigue

Women who are:

· Pre/Peri/Post-menopausal women

· Smokers

· Overweight

· Interested in starting a new exercise program

· Unsure of their risk factors for either heart disease, stroke or diabetes