Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute in Tulsa is known for excellent heart care, with screenings and risk assessments that can help you understand your likelihood of heart disease.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. You can help prevent future heart problems by making healthy choices today. Some factors you cannot change, like family history, sex, or age. But there are many steps you can take to lower your risk for heart disease.
Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute offers a free Health Risk Assessment (HRA), which is a simple set of questions about your health, habits, and family history. It can help you spot risks early, even when you feel fine.
Your results can guide your next steps, like talking with your doctor, choosing healthier habits, or scheduling a screening. This is a helpful starting point for heart care in Tulsa because it gives you a clearer picture of what you may need.
Screening for Heart Disease
The Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute offers two quick screening options for better heart health. These tests are offered in Tulsa, Glenpool, Muskogee and Vinita at a reduced rate and do not require a referral or physician's order.*
To schedule a screening, call 918-494-6900.
CT Calcium Screening - $99
This CT calcium screening checks for calcium buildup (plaque) in the arteries that bring blood to your heart. The scan is not invasive and takes about 15 minutes. Your score can help show your risk for a heart attack.
Echo Screening - $40
An Echocardiogram is a non-invasive ultrasound of your heart that helps evaluate your heart’s size, structure, valves, and blood flow as it pumps.
Set of Three Cardiovascular Screenings - $99
These quick and easy tests can help you identify potential risks for heart disease and other blood vessel problems. You can opt to get any of these screenings individually for $40 each.
- Carotid Screening
This simple ultrasound helps detect plaque in arteries that can cause stroke. - Aorta Screening
This test checks for enlargement of the part of abdominal aorta which suggests a risk for rupture. - Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
This condition of the arteries in the legs is related to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. This test will record blood pressure in both legs to evaluate blood circulation.
*If a screening shows something that may need more testing, you will be asked to provide insurance information or another form of payment. These screenings help find risk factors or possible concerns. Any next tests would be diagnostic and are not included in the discounted screening price.
Know Your Numbers
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can hurt your heart and blood vessels over time. Many people do not feel symptoms, so they may not know they have a problem. Regular checkups and screenings help you know your numbers and decide what to do next. This is an important part of cardiac care.
Lifestyle Steps to Help Prevent Heart Disease
Stop Smoking
Not smoking or using tobacco is one of the most significant factors for preventing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can ultimately lead to a heart attack. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar, low-nicotine cigarettes are also risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke.
Exercise daily
Getting regular, daily exercise can help with heart disease prevention as well. And, when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater. Try to get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. If you can't meet those guidelines, don't get discouraged - even shorter amounts of exercise offer heart benefits. And don't forget that everyday activities such as gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count.
Eat a heart-healthy diet
It's important to consume foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products can help protect your heart. Beans, other low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish can also help prevent heart disease.
Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase your chances of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight is a great step in preventing heart disease.
Learn More
If you have questions, please contact your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider and have questions about preventions and screenings, please call the Well Connected Hotline at 918-488-6688.