Heart screenings in Oklahoma

A simple heart scan can help you and your doctor better understand your heart health so that you can get the right treatment sooner. A heart scan creates high-resolution images to identify and measure calcium-containing plaque in your arteries. Too much plaque can narrow your arteries and restrict blood flow. If daily tasks or a short walk are more difficult than they used to be, ask about heart screening options.

Calcium buildup in your arteries can be caused by diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other pre-existing medical conditions. That’s why our heart care team starts by getting to know you. We listen to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work together to create a heart care plan that’s right for you.

Who should get a heart scan?

Your age, gender, lifestyle and medical history play a role in your heart health. You may benefit from a heart scan if you:

• Are a man over age 40 or a woman over age 50
• Are a smoker or have a history of smoking
• Have a family history of heart attack at an early age
• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have high cholesterol

*A heart scan is not for everyone. It is not recommended for routine screening of people who do not have symptoms of heart disease and have a low risk of heart attacks. Heart disease risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, family history of heart disease. We recommend you work with your doctor on your overall health plan and any risk factors you have.

Schedule a heart scan, close to home

A doctor’s referral is needed to schedule a heart scan. After your heart scan, your care team sends your results to your heart doctor. To schedule an appointment, please call 918-331-1598 for Bartlesville or 918-744-3511 for our Tulsa location.

Types of heart screenings at Ascension St. John

CT calcium score: A heart screening that uses an X-ray to identify and measure calcium in your coronary artery. A CT calcium score can also be used to identify your risk of heart disease or heart attack. Other risk factors include diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and a family history of early heart disease.

Carotid artery evaluation: Atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid arteries can reduce blood flow to the brain and may increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. During an internal carotid artery screening, an ultrasound probe is placed on your neck and images are taken to help identify plaque buildup.

Cardiac function evaluation: An ultrasound probe is placed on your chest to evaluate heart function and the amount of blood pumped out of the heart during each beat.

Ankle brachial index: Your blood pressure is recorded from both ankles and arms to screen for peripheral vascular disease (PAD). The ankle brachial index evaluates blood circulation to the legs and helps you and your doctor better understand your risk of heart disease.

Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG): A noninvasive recording of your heart’s electrical activity using electrodes to detect heart rhythm. An ECG measures and diagnoses abnormal heart rhythms and other abnormalities. Your doctor may recommend a baseline screening around age 40.

Abdominal aorta evaluation: Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlargement in the abdominal aorta. An ultrasound is used to measure the size of your abdominal aorta.

Connected to a national team for heart care

When you need more advanced heart care, your doctor can connect you with the right cardiovascular specialists close to home. Your doctor is part of a national team of specialists, surgeons and care teams, delivering the latest in heart care testing, treatment and procedures.