Heart disease prevention: Why choose us? 

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Our cardiologists and their teams provide comprehensive prevention services for people with heart disease risk factors. We’re your partners for long-term heart health, now and through every stage of life.

We offer:

  • Screenings and tests for early heart disease detection: Early detection is key in managing heart disease and reducing its risks. Our range of heart tests, from routine screenings to diagnostic imaging, allows us to identify the signs of heart disease early. 

  • Care coordination with other providers: Your cardiologist works closely with exercise physiologists, nutritionists, surgeons and other providers to coordinate your care. You have easy access to multiple experts from one source. 

  • Education and resources for heart health: We refer you to the services you need for better heart health. From smoking cessation to weight loss programs, we help you make a plan to reduce your heart disease risk factors. 
     

Take Our Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

This free, 5-minute survey determined your risk for heart disease. 

Take your assessment
What heart screening tests do we offer?

We may perform one or more screening tests, depending on your risk factors and symptoms, if any. If your screening tests show signs of heart disease, we evaluate your results and recommend diagnostic tests or treatment as a next step. Learn more about our diagnostic testing for cardiovascular disease.

Our screening tests include:

Cardiac CT angiography
We use this test to check for narrowing or blockages in your coronary arteries, which supply blood to your heart.
Carotid intima-media thickness test (CIMT)
A CIMT is an ultrasound that measures the thickness of your carotid arteries, which carry blood to your brain.
Coronary calcium scan
We use computerized tomography (CT) scans to look for plaque in your coronary arteries.
Echocardiogram (echo)
An echo, or heart ultrasound, uses sound waves to create 2D and 3D images of your heart and blood vessels. An echo evaluates your heart’s structure to see if it is working as expected.
Cardiac stress testing
An exercise stress test monitors your heart rhythm and other factors during physical activity.
Carotid and aortic ultrasounds
We check for narrowing or blockages in neck (carotid) arteries or the abdominal aorta (large artery in your torso).
Understanding cardiovascular disease risks

Certain factors increase your risk of heart disease. There are some risk factors for heart disease that you can control or treat and others that you can’t change. Our heart experts work with you to identify your personal risk factors and help you make a plan for better heart health.

Cardiovascular risk factors that you can’t change include: 

  • Family history, such as a parent or sibling with heart disease

  • Gender, with men having a higher risk until women reach menopause

  • Increasing age, in men age 45 and older and women age 55 and older

Cardiovascular risk factors that you can manage or treat include: 

  • Alcohol use

  • High stress level

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Lack of sleep

  • Obesity and excess weight

  • Other conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes

  • Tobacco smoking, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other materials with nicotine

  • Unhealthy diet

How can I improve my heart health? 

You can take steps to reduce your cardiovascular risks and improve your overall health:

  • Eat healthy foods: Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Reduce sodium, sugar and saturated fats. 

  • Exercise: Get regular exercise. Your doctor can recommend a level of physical activity that’s safe for you. 

  • Limit alcohol: Limit your alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

  • Lower stress: Manage your stress with practices such as yoga, exercise, meditation and social activities.

  • Maintain a healthy weight: A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help with weight control. 

  • Manage chronic conditions: Talk to your doctor about managing diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

  • Sleep: Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Talk to your doctor if you have insomnia, sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. 

  • Stop smoking: Don’t smoke, vape or use smokeless tobacco. Avoid secondhand smoke. 

Locations

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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