Mahaska Health Partnership Stresses the Importance of Heart Health Screenings
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – February is Heart Month, a time to take your heart health into consideration and get caught up on vital screenings.
“When it comes to cardiovascular health, many conditions can go unnoticed for years, due to lack of symptoms,” Mahaska Health Partnership Family Nurse Practitioner Jen Scott, ARNP-C , explained. “High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels and even high blood glucose levels can be hidden for years if you’re not getting regular health exams which raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.”
A big risk factor in cardiovascular disease is high blood pressure. “Optimal levels are below 120/80 mm HG,” Scott shared. “Starting at age 20, it’s best to get your blood pressure checked every two years if it’s normal, or more often if it’s not. Lifestyle changes and medications are available to help control high blood pressure.”
Another factor in heart health is body weight. “As the scale creeps up, so does your risk of multiple health complications,” Scott advised. “A big one on that list is cardiovascular disease. Your primary care provider can provide yearly weight and BMI (body mass index) measurements, as well as offer advice on getting to your optimal weight.”
Blood glucose levels are another major factor in heart health. “Starting at age 45 unless otherwise recommended by your primary care provider, it’s a good idea to start getting your blood glucose, or sugar, checked at least every 3 years,” Scott recommended. “High levels can increase your risk for insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can lead to heart disease and stroke.”
One condition that can go undetected due to lack of symptoms is abnormal cholesterol levels. “It’s a good idea to start getting your cholesterol checked with a fasting lipid panel every four to six years, starting at age 20,” Scott said. “This test checks your HDL (the good stuff) and LDL (the not so good stuff) levels, along with your triglycerides. Like blood pressure, lifestyle changes and medications can often help bring levels closer to optimal levels, but if left untreated, can cause serious issues for your heart.”
In celebration of heart month, Mahaska Health Partnership will be offering Community Cholesterol Screenings on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in Oskaloosa and New Sharon. Fasting lipid panels, which check your cholesterol and blood glucose levels, will be available for $20. Visit mahaskahealth.org for more information.
Family Nurse Practitioner Jen Scott has previous experience working in a surgical cardiac setting, and uses that in-depth knowledge to assist patients dealing with hypertension, congestive heart failure or COPD. Her main priority with patients is respecting their wishes, and strives to help them have the experience they want to give them peace of mind. To schedule an appointment with Jen Scott, call 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
