Those statistics aren't too encouraging, but the good news is that heart disease is largely a preventable disease. Prevention is accomplished by identifying your risk--the earlier the better-making the needed lifestyle changes and following treatment recommendations.

Lakeside Women's Hospital and Oklahoma Cardiovascular Associates have developed one of the most comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations that has ever been offer to the women of Oklahoma. Its name is "Cardio Gold." This evaluation uses the latest in available technology combined with expert analysis by a board-certified cardiologist, physical trainer, nutritional expert and behavioral health expert to provide you with the best possible knowledge of your current cardiovascular health. This program will assess your risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), identify any current CVD that may be present and provide recommendations for prevention and treatment.

The program includes multiple tests and consultations, and requires a full day of participation. Snacks and lunch will be provided since several hours of fasting will be required.

Your final summary and cardiovascular consultation will take about an hour and be scheduled at your convenience. A written summary of the results, your specific risk analysis and consultation with the cardiologist will be provided. You will be able to take this information to your personal physician and be better informed about your health in order to work with your doctor to lower your risk. Cardio Gold (A Woman's Comprehensive Cardiovascular Evaluation) can be repeated at intervals of one to five years as desired to reassess your risk, progress and results after following the recommendations.

Tests Included in "Cardio Gold" A Woman's Comprehensive Cardiovascular Evaluation
Following is a list of tests, procedures and consultations you will have performed and what information you can expect to gain from these tests.

CT Scan for Coronary Calcification
The scan produces 3-dimensional images that show the amount of calcified plaque buildup in the arteries to your heart, a process called atherosclerosis, which leads to heart attacks.

Blood Analysis
A comprehensive analysis of a blood sample can reveal a lot about your risk for CVD. (You will need to fast nine to twelve hours prior to your blood draw on the first appointment.)

• EXPANDED FASTING LIPID PROFILE. A measure of the fats in your blood: total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Elevated LDL and triglyceride levels and a lowered HDL level increase your risk for atherosclerosis. The profile will reveal other lipid abnormalities such as lipid particle size, which also may affect your risk. Your cholesterol pattern is essential to understanding your genetic predisposition to heart and blood vessel disease.

   

• GLUCOSE measures blood sugar. A higher-than- normal blood glucos