In honor of American Hearth Month, the Wayne State University Family Medicine Center is offering heart disease screenings for women at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 1135 W. University Dr., Suite 250 in Rochester Hills (in the Medical Office Building on the campus of Crittenton Hospital). The cost for the screening is $20.
Included in the screening will be a lipid profile: total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, glucose levels (blood sugar), blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). For the most accurate assessment, fasting for at least eight hours prior is preferred (no breakfast). Participants will receive a risk assessment and discuss the results with a Wayne State University Family Medicine physician. Educational materials will be provided.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. There are several different types of heart disease. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease or a heart attack, which is caused by plaques in the heart arteries. Other types include a heart failure, irregular heart rhythm or heart beat and heart valve disease.
The most common symptom of coronary heart disease is angina or pain, which is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw or back. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, palpitations (irregular heartbeats or a flip-flop feeling in your chest), a rapid heartbeat, weakness or dizziness, nausea and sweating. Risk factors for heart disease include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity, age and family history.
In addtion, Wayne State University Family Medicine is offering free pedometers (while supplies last) for patients who schedule an appointment during the month of February and wear red to their appointment.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (248) 650-6301. Walk-ins will be accepted. If participants are unable to attend the Feb. 12 screening, they may call to schedule an appointment at another time during regular office hours. Same-day appointments and extended hours are also available. The $20 fee will be honored until April 30, 2011.