Protect Your Heart: Know Your Risk

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and take proactive steps to prevent heart disease. Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center are committed to providing our community with the tools and resources needed to maintain a healthy heart. Two important screenings we offer are Angioscreen and CT Calcium Scoring, which can help identify potential risks before they become serious problems.

Understanding Your Heart Health Risk
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, often striking without noticeable symptoms. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Angioscreen and CT Calcium Scoring are non-invasive, painless procedures that provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.

What is Angioscreen?
Angioscreen is a quick and painless vascular screening that assesses the health of your arteries in your arms, legs, and neck. It measures blood flow and detects the presence of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Carotid Artery Disease (CAD), and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA). These conditions can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events.

Benefits of Angioscreen:

• Early Detection: Identifies potential issues before symptoms appear.
• Non-invasive: No needles or incisions are required.
• Quick and Convenient: The screening takes approximately 15 minutes.
• Painless: The procedure is completely painless.
• Provides valuable information: Helps you and your doctor make informed decisions about your heart health.

What is CT Calcium Scoring?
CT Calcium Scoring is a specialized CT scan that measures the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. Calcium buildup in these arteries is an indicator of atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. This test provides a quantifiable measure of your heart disease risk.

Benefits of CT Calcium Scoring:

• Quantifiable Risk Assessment: Provides a specific score indicating your level of risk.
• Early Detection: Detects plaque buildup even before symptoms develop.
• Personalized Prevention: Helps tailor a prevention plan based on your individual risk.
• Motivational Tool: Seeing a calcium score can motivate individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle changes.

Who Should Consider These Screenings?
While everyone can benefit from understanding their heart health, certain individuals are at higher risk and should consider Angioscreen and/or CT Calcium Scoring:

• Individuals over 40
• Smokers
• Individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Individuals with symptoms of PAD, CAD, or AAA

Take Control of Your Heart Health
This Heart Month, take a proactive step towards a healthier heart. Contact JFK University Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center to schedule your Angioscreen and/or CT Calcium Scoring. Our dedicated team of cardiovascular specialists is committed to providing comprehensive care and helping you understand and manage your heart health risks. Early detection and prevention are key to a long and healthy life.

Connect with your doctor to see which scan is best for you.