Doctor: More Should Screen Heart Health In Their 30s
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- When you think about screening for heart disease, you probably think of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but at the University of Minnesota Rasmussen Center there's so much more.
The best way to beat a heart attack is to prevent it from happening in the first place. At the University of Minnesota Rasmussen Center, nurses do tests that anticipate and manage heart and artery disease.
Nine tests and a blood draw screens for markers of cardiovascular risk. You start with a chat. The WCCO Morning Show's Jamie Yuccas underwent a test to demonstrate.
Because your lifestyle can have an impact on your heart, Yuccas said she had questions about getting up at 2 a.m. and about her coffee consumption.
"Coffee won't plug up your arteries, but it will increase the heart rate," cardiologist Dr. Daniel Duprez said.
They then screen for conditions that often go undetected but which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and kidney failure.
They start with Blood Pressure, but then get a better story on the arteries. Yuccas passed the heart wave test.
They continue by taking a picture of your eye, which can give information about your risk for stroke. They also use ultrasounds to check arteries and the heart.
You get immediate feedback on each test, which Yuccas said really reduces anxiety and stress.
When all the tests are completed, an analysis is completed so you can stay on track with diet and exercise.
Duprez believes people in their 30s should be more concerned about their heart health, especially if there's a family history. Once you have a heart attack, the damage can be done. But if you prevent it, you can have a long heart healthy life.
Tests are scheduled in two-hour appointment. Referrals are necessary for the tests to be covered by insurance.
