The heart institute at Little Rock, Ark.-based CHI St. Vincent has launched a preventive program that combines a series of heart screening tests into a single visit, the health system said Oct. 14.
Previously, these types of preventive screenings were conducted over a period of time, but the new HeartSmart Screening Program offers patients a comprehensive look at their heart health in a single visit.
The preventive screenings conducted as part of the program include lipid panel and hemoglobin A1C test, a blood pressure evaluation, body mass index assessment, a heart attack risk assessment, an electrocardiogram, an ankle brachial index peripheral artery disease assessment and a cardiac calcium scoring CT scan.
"Our focus here is early detection. The sooner we can detect signs of heart disease, the sooner we can begin proper treatment that focuses on less invasive practices like medication or lifestyle changes rather than a trip to the emergency room," said David Griffin, MD, CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute's CMO.
"We've carefully selected the preventative screenings that are part of this program in order to give patients the greatest level of insight into their heart health in the least invasive manner," he said.
The screening program is offered by appointment only on the third Friday of every month and costs $75.