10 Feb 2013 Cardiovascular screenings under way
Cardiovascular screenings are being conducted by appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in February at Conway Regional Medical Center.
Screening Coordinator Christy Elliott, a registered ultrasound technologist with nine years of experience at performing imaging studies, said, “The screenings are designed to give people peace of mind. They are intended for people who have a family history of cardiovascular disease and who want to know the condition of their arteries. They are not for people who have already been diagnosed with heart disease or stroke.”
She said the screenings have identified artery blockages in people who were at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
“We go over the results right after the screening. If the results are positive for blockage or plaque, individuals are referred to their family doctor for follow-up care,” she said.
The screening options include:
Blood circulation test
- Ultrasound to identify plaque in arteries
- Ultrasound to check for aneurysms in chest and abdomen
- Blood test for cholesterol and glucose
“We go over the results right after the screening. If the results are positive for blockage or plaque, individuals are referred to their family doctor for follow-up care.” There is a charge for these screenings since most insurance only pays if symptoms are present.
Three different types of screenings are offered:
- Heart disease/diabetes/blood package, $89 (cholesterol/glucose testing)
- Vascular package, $109 (includes tests for blood circulation, carotid arteries and abdominal aorta)
- Complete wellness package, $190 (includes all tests)
For more information, visit conwayregional.org or call 501.450.2244 to make an appointment.
