Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 1 in every 4 deaths. Despite efforts to diagnose and treat heart disease early, many Americans are unaware of their risk. A number of screenings are available to detect early signs of cardiac and vascular disease and identify risk factors.
Learn Your Links
Learning the eight links that increase your risk for heart disease can help you better manage or reduce your risks to prevent heart disease. Start today.
Coronary Calcium Scan
Norton Audubon Hospital
1 Audubon Plaza Drive
Louisville, Kentucky
This computed tomography (CT) scan measures calcium deposits in coronary arteries — an early indicator of heart disease. This quick, painless screening is considered useful for people who have a moderate risk of heart disease and currently do not have cardiac symptoms. Those with the following risk factors may benefit from a coronary calcium scan:
- Men age 45 and older; women age 55 and older
- Family history of heart disease
- Past or present smoker
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Not physically active
Call (502) 485-4700 for an appointment.
Know Your Numbers
An important way to lower your risk and manage cardiovascular disease is through healthy lifestyle habits and managing your risk factors. The American Heart Association recommends the following tests.
| Recommended screenings | How often? |
| Blood pressure | Each regular health care visit or at least once every two years if blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg |
| Cholesterol (“fasting lipoprotein profile” to measure total, HDL and LDL cholesterol) | Every four to six years for normal-risk people; more often if you have elevated risk for heart disease and stroke |
| Weight/body mass index (BMI) | During your regular health care visit |
| Waist circumference | As needed if your BMI is 25 kg/m2 or higher |
| Blood glucose test | At least every three years
(The American Diabetes Association recommends testing for prediabetes and risk for diabetes beginning at age 45. If tests are normal, repeat testing at three-year intervals.) |
| Discuss smoking, physical activity, diet | Each regular health care visit |
