More Americans die of heart disease than all types of cancer combined. That is a startling statistic, but medical advancements are proving to be lifesavers.

Cardiac Risk Profile Screening

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. Getting screened could help keep you healthy and independent, and maybe even save your life.

For only $15, a quick finger prick and one hour of your time, you can find out if you're at risk for heart disease. Call 877-HRT-RISK (478-7475) to make an appointment.

Cardiac Calcium Scoring

One such advancement is the 64-slice CT Scanner, a state-of-the-art, medical imaging device that captures images of a beating heart in just five heartbeats. With the 64-slice CT Scanner, physicians are better able to diagnose heart disease by viewing blockages in the coronary arteries.

Cardiac calcium scoring, a revolutionary, pain-free, noninvasive procedure, measures participants' heart disease risk in less than 15 minutes.

The 64-slice CT Scanner, with sub-second scanning capability, takes 70-90 images of the coronary arteries without injections or needles. The amount of calcium, or plaque, detected in the coronary arteries is then used to establish a person's risk for heart disease.

Men, age 45 and older, and women, age 50 and older, who have the following risk factors for heart disease are eligible to receive cardiac calcium scoring:

• Family history of heart disease
• High cholesterol
• History of smoking
• High blood pressure
• High stress levels
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetes

Cardiac calcium scoring is held in medical imaging, located on the first floor of Monroe Clinic hospital building. Participants receive their cardiac score via a personalized letter after their screening. Cost is $129, payable at time of service by cash, check, or credit only at the time of service. Insurance will not be billed. Appointments are required. Call 608-324-1331.