In honor of American Heart Month in February, Ozarks Medical Center Heart Care Services will host a free screening event from 7-10 a.m. Feb. 13 at Texas County Memorial Hospital. The event will include cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure screening and a Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) screening.
The screenings are free but appointments are required and may be scheduled by calling OMC Education Services at 417-257-6793.
Participants in the cholesterol and glucose screening should not eat or drink for eight hours prior to receive accurate results on the blood test.
The screening event is part of the new OMC Heart Care Services outreach clinic that is held the first Wednesday of each month at TCMH. OMC Interventional Cardiologist M. Faisal Khan, M.D., treats patients at the facility to provide more convenient heart care services to patients in Texas County.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. One in every four deaths in the United States is the result of heart disease.
“American Heart Month is an excellent time to make an important decision to do everything you can to reduce your risk factors for heart disease,” Dr. Khan said. “Early detection of risk factors and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk and this screening event is the place to get information to help you embark on a healthier lifestyle.”
PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) screening
PAD is a serious condition that occurs when the arteries in the legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits or plaque. PAD affects one in every 20 Americans over the age of 50, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Left untreated, PAD can negatively impact a person’s quality of life and can cause other problems that could lead to amputation of a toe, foot or a leg.
PAD is also serious because the hardened arteries found in people with it are a sign they have increased risk of hardened and narrowed arteries to the heart and brain. PAD is treated through lifestyle changes, medication or, if necessary, medical procedures. Symptoms include non-healing skin wounds, leg pain at rest and leg or pelvic pain when walking.
The screening for PAD is an ankle brachial index or ABI, which measures and compares the blood pressure in the arms and ankles in order to detect poor blood flow, a sign of PAD. Not all persons are at risk for PAD. The screenings are limited to persons with high risk. Call 417-257-6793 to learn if you qualify for a free PAD screening.
OMC will also host heart health screening on Feb. 22 in Mountain Grove.
Dr. Khan provides cardiology services to patients in the Texas County area at TCMH on the first Wednesday of each month. Patients wishing to make an appointment should contact OMC Heart Care Services at 417-257-5950.
The screenings are free but appointments are required and may be scheduled by calling OMC Education Services at 417-257-6793.