You can help to avoid heart problems tomorrow by adopting a healthy lifestyle today. While there are some risk factors you cannot change, such as family history, gender or age, there are some key steps you can take in preventing heart disease.
Taking Care of Your Heart
Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S., as well as a major cause of disability. That's why the physicians and staff members of the Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute are dedicated to taking excellent care of your heart. That's also why it is imperative that everyone make heart health a priority in their lives.
Screening for Heart Disease
The Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute offers two quick screening options for better heart health. These tests are offered in Tulsa, Muskogee and Vinita at a reduced rate and do not require a referral or physician's order.*
Call 918-494-6900 to schedule an appointment for any location.
CT Calcium Screening - $99
Our cardiac calcium screening measures the calcified plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This non-invasive CT scan takes about 15 minutes and helps calculate your risk of a heart attack.
Set of Three Cardiovascular Screenings - $99
These quick and easy tests can help you identify potential risks for heart disease and other vascular conditions.
- Carotid Screening
This simple ultrasound helps detect plaque in arteries that can cause stroke. - Aorta Screening
This test checks for enlargement of the part of abdominal aorta which suggests a risk for rupture. - Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
This condition of the arteries in the legs is related to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. This test will record blood pressure in both legs to evaluate blood circulation.
*If any of the screening exams have a finding that would indicate the need for further testing, patients will be asked to provide their insurance information or form of payment. Screenings are meant to identify risk factors or abnormalities that could indicate the need for further testing. The next round of testing would be considered diagnostic and not included in the discounted screening rates
Know Your Numbers
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without testing for them, you probably won't know if you have these conditions. That's why it is critical to get regular screenings so you know your numbers and whether or not further action is necessary.
Lifestyle Steps to Help Prevent Heart Disease
Stop Smoking: Not smoking or using tobacco is one of the most significant factors for preventing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can ultimately lead to a heart attack. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar, low-nicotine cigarettes are also risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke.
Exercise daily: Getting regular, daily exercise can help with heart disease prevention as well. And, when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater. Try to get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. If you can't meet those guidelines, don't get discouraged - even shorter amounts of exercise offer heart benefits. And don't forget that everyday activities such as gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count.
Eat a heart-healthy diet: It's important to consume foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products can help protect your heart. Beans, other low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish can also help prevent heart disease.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase your chances of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight is a great step in preventing heart disease.