News
Cardio Screening at Roper St. Francis
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| Randolf C. Reveral, RVT, applies the screening test as Dr. Hallett studies the computer monitor. |
by Patra Taylor
“There’s not a lot of back-up if you have problems up
there,” states Mount Pleasant resident Pat Waters as he nods toward the sky.
“Know before you go — that’s my philosophy.”
The 67-year-old private pilot knows his aircraft is in tip-top shape before every take-off. He also knows his life and the lives of his passengers depend upon his health when he takes command of the cockpit.
That’s why Mr. Waters opted to take advantage of Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s new cardiovascular screening program. “It’s good to know I’m in great shape when I wake up in the morning,” says Mr. Waters, who has a family history of both high blood pressure and cholesterol. “It gives me peace of mind, whether I’m flying that day or not.”
John “Jeb” Hallett, MD suggests that people across the Lowcountry from all walks of life now have an easy, affordable way to “know before you go” when it comes to their cardiovascular health. “Early detection and proactive management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease is key to preventing serious consequences of the disease, such as heart attack, stroke, ruptured aortic aneurysm or amputation,” reports Dr. Hallett, medical director and vascular surgeon at Roper St. Francis Heart & Vascular Center. “We now offer the community a noninvasive screening program for individuals who may not have symptoms, but could be at risk for cardiovascular disease. This series of tests provides a clear evaluation of a patient’s risks, and helps doctors better prescribe preventative treatments and recommend lifestyle modifications.”
Mr. Waters, who serves on Roper Hospital’s board of directors, was among the first to learn about the Primary Prevention Cardiovascular Screening being offered at Roper St. Francis Heart and Vascular Center in downtown Charleston. He was also among the first to take advantage of this state-of-the-art service. “Pilots have physicals every couple of years,” continues Mr. Waters. “Because the aviation community is maturing, I thought this screening program might offer extra assurance to pilots like me about their cardiovascular health.”
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 50 percent of adults in the United States have one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. “Many people have no idea they have these risks which could become debilitating or perhaps even lethal,” states Dr. Hallett.
Dr. Hallett points to studies of patients who have experienced a cardiovascular event for the following alarming insights:
— 15-20 percent of stroke patients were unaware they had a correctible carotid blockage;
— 80 percent of patients who suffered abdominal aortic aneurysm were unaware of their condition until the artery ruptured; and
— 25 percent of patients who have diabetes and smoke cigarettes were unaware they had peripheral vascular disease that could lead to loss of a limb.
“These diseases don’t just happen,” remarks Dr. Hallett. “In fact, heart and peripheral vascular disease develops over years and is often silent until serious complications occur. But the good news is that those at high risk for cardiovascular disease now have an opportunity to discover any problems before they become catastrophic.”
Primary Prevention Cardiovascular Screening is a special package of three non-invasive tests that not only provide a clear evaluation of a person’s risk factors, but also help physicians and other healthcare professionals better prescribe preventative treatment and lifestyle modifications to minimize, if not eliminate these risk factors. Specifically, the screening tests for blocked carotid arteries, abdominal aortic aneurysms and peripheral arterial disease. Additionally, Cardiac Calcium Scoring may be recommended (at an additional charge) for men over age 45 and women over age 55 who have coronary artery disease risk factors but no symptom.
Patients receive a preliminary report of the test findings before they leave, with detailed reports going to their primary care physicians for appropriate follow-up. “If there is a critical finding that requires immediate attention, our team is ready to take action,” notes Dr. Hallett.
“Something that really sets us apart from other screening programs is that all Roper St. Francis screenings are done in accredited labs staffed by registered vascular technologists using state-of-the-art equipment,” Dr. Hallett adds. “This controlled environment helps reduce false positives that could lead to unnecessary interventions.
Test results are reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified vascular surgeon, then delivered directly to a patient’s primary care doctor to define accurately the level of risk and provide the information needed to select the most appropriate holistic treatment plan.”
“The screening is affordable — only $125,” says Mr. Waters. “It is painless and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. I got a clean bill of health, so I’m ready to fly. Now that’s peace of mind.”
For more information about the Primary Prevention Cardiovascular Screening offered at the Roper St. Francis Heart & Vascular Center, area residents are encouraged to discuss this important option with their primary care physicians; or call (843) 720-5665 for more details.
Health Maintenance Programs at Roper St. Francis
Prevention Services
Should your screening results indicate a need for intervention or lifestyle changes, the Roper St. Francis Heart & Vascular Center offers several preventive services.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center’s exercise programs are not just for patients recovering from heart disease. Comprehensive programs are offered to those who have heart disease risk factors and are interested in preventing a future illness. Specially trained staff is available to evaluate your risk factors and develop an individual plan to improve your overall fitness. An educational series is also available to provide important information on heart disease prevention topics such as, medications, nutrition and stress management. For your convenience we have two locations, downtown Charleston at Roper Hospital and West Ashley at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.
Individual Nutritional Counseling
The Registered Dietitians at Roper St. Francis can help you manage your health through good food choices. Individual appointments take into account your medical history, busy schedule and personal preferences. You will be given specific recommendations and resources to help purchase and prepare the right foods, navigate the grocery store aisles and cut through gimmicks and hype.
Smoking Cessation
The Smoking Cessation Program is based on the QuitSmart system developed at Duke University Medical Center. The method boasts 12-month non-relapse rate of 60 percent and includes relaxation tapes, cigarette substitutes and stress management techniques. The program is a three part series of meetings and sessions that are held monthly.
Weight Management Classes: “Eating for Life”
Weight Management Program
The “Eating for Lif”e Weight Management Program is an eight-week class series led by a registered dietitian, certified in Adult Weight Management. The series focuses on achieving good health by adopting sensible eating and exercise behaviors, as opposed to dieting for short-term results. Enhanced by the support of a behavioral therapist, Eating For Life strives to explore individual profiles and setbacks that contribute to emotional eating. This exciting course includes live cooking demos and grocery store tours to help you put into practice what you have learned.
The 67-year-old private pilot knows his aircraft is in tip-top shape before every take-off. He also knows his life and the lives of his passengers depend upon his health when he takes command of the cockpit.
That’s why Mr. Waters opted to take advantage of Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s new cardiovascular screening program. “It’s good to know I’m in great shape when I wake up in the morning,” says Mr. Waters, who has a family history of both high blood pressure and cholesterol. “It gives me peace of mind, whether I’m flying that day or not.”
John “Jeb” Hallett, MD suggests that people across the Lowcountry from all walks of life now have an easy, affordable way to “know before you go” when it comes to their cardiovascular health. “Early detection and proactive management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease is key to preventing serious consequences of the disease, such as heart attack, stroke, ruptured aortic aneurysm or amputation,” reports Dr. Hallett, medical director and vascular surgeon at Roper St. Francis Heart & Vascular Center. “We now offer the community a noninvasive screening program for individuals who may not have symptoms, but could be at risk for cardiovascular disease. This series of tests provides a clear evaluation of a patient’s risks, and helps doctors better prescribe preventative treatments and recommend lifestyle modifications.”
Mr. Waters, who serves on Roper Hospital’s board of directors, was among the first to learn about the Primary Prevention Cardiovascular Screening being offered at Roper St. Francis Heart and Vascular Center in downtown Charleston. He was also among the first to take advantage of this state-of-the-art service. “Pilots have physicals every couple of years,” continues Mr. Waters. “Because the aviation community is maturing, I thought this screening program might offer extra assurance to pilots like me about their cardiovascular health.”
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 50 percent of adults in the United States have one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. “Many people have no idea they have these risks which could become debilitating or perhaps even lethal,” states Dr. Hallett.
Dr. Hallett points to studies of patients who have experienced a cardiovascular event for the following alarming insights:
— 15-20 percent of stroke patients were unaware they had a correctible carotid blockage;
— 80 percent of patients who suffered abdominal aortic aneurysm were unaware of their condition until the artery ruptured; and
— 25 percent of patients who have diabetes and smoke cigarettes were unaware they had peripheral vascular disease that could lead to loss of a limb.
“These diseases don’t just happen,” remarks Dr. Hallett. “In fact, heart and peripheral vascular disease develops over years and is often silent until serious complications occur. But the good news is that those at high risk for cardiovascular disease now have an opportunity to discover any problems before they become catastrophic.”
Primary Prevention Cardiovascular Screening is a special package of three non-invasive tests that not only provide a clear evaluation of a person’s risk factors, but also help physicians and other healthcare professionals better prescribe preventative treatment and lifestyle modifications to minimize, if not eliminate these risk factors. Specifically, the screening tests for blocked carotid arteries, abdominal aortic aneurysms and peripheral arterial disease. Additionally, Cardiac Calcium Scoring may be recommended (at an additional charge) for men over age 45 and women over age 55 who have coronary artery disease risk factors but no symptom.
Patients receive a preliminary report of the test findings before they leave, with detailed reports going to their primary care physicians for appropriate follow-up. “If there is a critical finding that requires immediate attention, our team is ready to take action,” notes Dr. Hallett.
“Something that really sets us apart from other screening programs is that all Roper St. Francis screenings are done in accredited labs staffed by registered vascular technologists using state-of-the-art equipment,” Dr. Hallett adds. “This controlled environment helps reduce false positives that could lead to unnecessary interventions.
Test results are reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified vascular surgeon, then delivered directly to a patient’s primary care doctor to define accurately the level of risk and provide the information needed to select the most appropriate holistic treatment plan.”
“The screening is affordable — only $125,” says Mr. Waters. “It is painless and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. I got a clean bill of health, so I’m ready to fly. Now that’s peace of mind.”
For more information about the Primary Prevention Cardiovascular Screening offered at the Roper St. Francis Heart & Vascular Center, area residents are encouraged to discuss this important option with their primary care physicians; or call (843) 720-5665 for more details.
Health Maintenance Programs at Roper St. Francis
Prevention Services
Should your screening results indicate a need for intervention or lifestyle changes, the Roper St. Francis Heart & Vascular Center offers several preventive services.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center’s exercise programs are not just for patients recovering from heart disease. Comprehensive programs are offered to those who have heart disease risk factors and are interested in preventing a future illness. Specially trained staff is available to evaluate your risk factors and develop an individual plan to improve your overall fitness. An educational series is also available to provide important information on heart disease prevention topics such as, medications, nutrition and stress management. For your convenience we have two locations, downtown Charleston at Roper Hospital and West Ashley at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.
Individual Nutritional Counseling
The Registered Dietitians at Roper St. Francis can help you manage your health through good food choices. Individual appointments take into account your medical history, busy schedule and personal preferences. You will be given specific recommendations and resources to help purchase and prepare the right foods, navigate the grocery store aisles and cut through gimmicks and hype.
Smoking Cessation
The Smoking Cessation Program is based on the QuitSmart system developed at Duke University Medical Center. The method boasts 12-month non-relapse rate of 60 percent and includes relaxation tapes, cigarette substitutes and stress management techniques. The program is a three part series of meetings and sessions that are held monthly.
Weight Management Classes: “Eating for Life”
Weight Management Program
The “Eating for Lif”e Weight Management Program is an eight-week class series led by a registered dietitian, certified in Adult Weight Management. The series focuses on achieving good health by adopting sensible eating and exercise behaviors, as opposed to dieting for short-term results. Enhanced by the support of a behavioral therapist, Eating For Life strives to explore individual profiles and setbacks that contribute to emotional eating. This exciting course includes live cooking demos and grocery store tours to help you put into practice what you have learned.
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