Vim & Vigor - Summer 2018 - Community Healthcare - 55

I was obese-at 220 pounds-and I
needed to see a cardiologist."
Assessments, offered through
community events in Hammond,
East Chicago and Whiting, as well as
St. Catherine Hospital's Cardiovascular
Disease Prevention Center in
Hammond, check average glucose (if
you have a history of diabetes), random blood sugar, cholesterol, ABI (leg
circulation), blood pressure, body mass
and waist circumference.
A cardiac technician, cardiac nurse
and an advanced practice nurse (APN)
who specializes in cardiology and diabetes perform the assessments. The APN
goes over family history, reviews assessment results and calculates risk for heart
disease or related medical conditions.
Cardiologist P. Ramon Llobet, MD,
says the free risk assessment approach
to healthcare is a game-changer.
"When we're in our 30s and 40s and
even in our 50s, we think we're invincible," Llobet says. "We may even think
we're doing all the right things to stay
healthy. And yet the risk indicators may
show otherwise. Our goal is to diagnose cardiovascular disease at an early
age and treat it before it becomes a
cardiac emergency."
Like Arendt, Michael Hurley also had
a family history of heart disease. His

father died at 47 and a brother
at 34 of cardiovascular-related
conditions. The assessment
revealed a few alarming statistics in Hurley's profile. His blood
lipids, weight, diet and exercise
habits indicated he had a 9.4 percent chance of a cardiac event
within a decade. Until then, he had
been keeping a close eye on his
blood pressure and sugar levels
but thought a sharp decrease in
stamina and pressure in his chest
were due to age-related fatigue.
Taking the assessment, offered
through St. Catherine Hospital's
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
outreach program, may have
saved his life.
Anyone with a score higher than
7 percent is advised to see a carArendt, a Navy veteran from Hammond, sought
diologist. Clinical nurse specialist
further testing after learning his risk factor for
cardiovascular disease and diabetes in a free
Virginia Ait Said, APN, suggested
American Heart Association assessment.
Hurley modify his diet and see a
cardiologist as soon as possible.
developing cardiovascular disease or
A couple of weeks later, after an abnorrelated medical conditions. This program
mal stress test and a cardiac angioputs us at the forefront in the delivery of
gram, Hurley was referred for triple
extraordinary care in our community."
bypass surgery.
Arendt was so rattled after hearing
"There is a great need for preventive
his score, Ait Said assumed the role
programs like this," says Leo Correa,
of a healthcare concierge to explain
CEO, St. Catherine Hospital. "It acts as a
the significance of his results, help set
safety net for those who are at risk for
up his appointments and coach him
through his journey to wellness. Today,
Arendt is eating more low-sugar fruits
APPOINTMENTS
and vegetables. He's down to his military weight, and he's counting a few
lucky stars.
Hurley credits the medical team
Do you have family history of heart disease or diabetes? Are your eatfor saving his life. "I have long held
ing habits or lack of exercise putting you at risk? The Cardiovascular
St. Catherine Hospital and its staff in
Disease Prevention Center is open for free assessments at 7217
high regard, and this last encounter has
Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond. To learn more or make an appointment,
reaffirmed that high regard. Their comcall 219-392-7CVP (7287).
passion, professionalism, medical knowledge and ability are beyond reproach." ■

Ace of Hearts

SUMME R 2018

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