MOULTRIE — As February marks American Heart Month, Colquitt Regional Medical Center has taken strides to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and prevention strategies to its patients and the public.
Heart Month serves as a reminder of the significance of cardiovascular health. According to recent statistics from the American Heart Association, on average, someone in the US dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds, underscoring the urgent need for preventive interventions.
“Millions of people are affected by heart disease every year,” said Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney. “Our health system understands the importance of education and is committed to providing resources and opportunities to inform our patients and the community about signs and symptoms of heart disease and when to seek medical attention.”
In addition to promoting heart health during February, Colquitt Regional also has highlighted coronary calcium scoring as a pivotal tool in heart attack prevention. Coronary calcium scoring is a simple CT scan that takes 15 minutes or less. This non-invasive scan assesses the presence of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, aiding in the early detection of potential blockages and enabling timely measures to decrease the risk of heart attacks.
“Coronary calcium scoring provides valuable insights into an individual’s heart health status, allowing for personalized preventive strategies and improved patient outcomes,” said Sterling Group Cardiology cardiologist Dr. Govindaraj Venkatesh. “We recommend this test for males aged 45 or older, females aged 55 or older, and young adults with two or more risk factors.”
Walk-ins are accepted for coronary calcium scoring and a doctor’s order is not required. During the month of February, it is offered at a price of $60.
In addition to advocating for coronary calcium scoring, Venkatesh offers the following tips for maintaining a healthy heart:
1. Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
2. Engage in regular physical activity to promote cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being.
3. Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight regularly, and seek medical attention if abnormalities arise.
4. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce cardiovascular risks.
Individuals experiencing symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations, are encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911. For less emergent needs or for assistance with establishing care with a cardiologist, please call the Colquitt Regional physician referral line at 229-891-9362.
For more information on coronary calcium scoring or cardiovascular services at Colquitt Regional, please call 229-890-3552.