Heart Screening

Available now at Saint Joseph Hospital. 

If you have a family history of heart or cardiovascular disease, or have been told you are at risk for developing it in the future, a heart screening is now available to help you identify the risk factors you have.  Saint Joseph Hospital offers a full heart checkup that combines a series of tests to identify cardiovascular health risks into a single visit that patients can schedule at their convenience.

The Heart Screening is offered by appointment only and the out of pocket cost is $75 per person. No insurance is required. 

To schedule an appointment, call 859.313.2698.

Myocardial Strain Profile or Ejection Fraction Measurement 

A strain profile or an ejection fraction measurement evaluates the left ventricle of the heart. The left ventricle is the chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the body and is primarily made up of muscle tissue. 

• Ejection fraction: Measures the amount of blood the heart pumps out to the body in one heart beat. Normal ejection fraction is 50-70%

• Strain profile: a measure of cardiac muscle function done by evaluating the change in the muscle fiber length in the pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) 

Screening results are either normal or abnormal. Results will be provided to you. If your results are found to be abnormal you will be instructed to follow up with your primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, we will be happy to provide you with a list of providers accepting patients.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart that identifies the heart rhythm and rate. Sinus rhythm is the normal heart rhythm and a normal rate is between 50 and 100 beats per minute.

Screening results are either normal or abnormal. Results will be provided to you. If your results are found to be abnormal you will be instructed to follow up with your primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, we will be happy to provide you with a list of providers accepting patients.

Carotid Artery Ultrasound Screening 

Carotid arteries are the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Carotid ultrasound evaluates the internal carotid artery. Blockages in this artery are the most common risk factor for stroke. Carotid ultrasound uses ultrasound to visually assess the artery for blockages and measures the velocity of blood flow in the artery. 

• > 50% obstruction is considered significantly abnormal 

• Normal velocity is < 180 and represents < 50% obstruction

Screening results are either normal or abnormal. Results will be provided to you. If your results are found to be abnormal you will be instructed to follow up with your primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, we will be happy to provide you with a list of providers accepting patients.

Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Ultrasound Screen 

The abdominal aorta is the largest blood vessel that supplies blood from the heart to the body. The aorta extends from the heart through the center of the chest and abdomen and its branches supply blood to the rest of the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged or bulging area in the lower part of the aorta. An aorta screen is done to measure the width of the lower part of the aorta. An increase in the diameter or width of the aorta increases the risk for an aneurysm. 

• A normal diameter is < 3 cm 

Screening results are either normal or abnormal. Results will be provided to you. If your results are found to be abnormal you will be instructed to follow up with your primary care physician - if you do not have one we will be happy to provide you with a list of providers accepting patients. 

Blood Pressure Evaluation

The blood pressure evaluation measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood pressure measurement has two numbers:

• The top number (systolic) is the pressure of the blood flow when the heart muscle squeezes (contracts), pumping blood. 

• The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure measured between heartbeats. 

Blood pressures can range, and are generally grouped into four categories. Ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal.

Screening results are either normal or abnormal. Results will be provided to you. If your results are found to be abnormal you will be instructed to follow up with your primary care physician - if you do not have one we will be happy to provide you with a list of providers accepting patients.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index is a screening tool used to identify individuals who have underweight, health weight, overweight, or obesity. BMI alone is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. BMI is a calculated measure of weight relative to height, defined as body weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

• BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)2

ABI - Ankle Brachial Index 

The ankle-brachial index test compares the blood pressure measured at the ankle with the blood pressure measured at the arm. A low ankle-brachial index number can indicate narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce the blood flow to the arms or legs. 

• Normal: 1.0 to 1.4 indicates that you probably do not have peripheral artery disease. Your test was done at rest. If you have pain in your legs with exercise an exercise ABI test may be ordered by your physician 

• Borderline: 0.9 to 0.99 - indicates the possibility of borderline disease 

• Abnormal: less than 0.9 - Indicates diagnosis of PAD. Additional testing is recommended

Screening results are either normal or abnormal. Results will be provided to you. If your results are found to be abnormal you will be instructed to follow up with your primary care physician - if you do not have one we will be happy to provide you with a list of providers accepting patients.