Screenings

Heart health screenings

At Lovelace Medical Center’s Heart Hospital of New Mexico, we place prevention at the forefront of our care. One of the key ways we do this is through cardiovascular screenings. We invite our patients to be at the helm of their care by scheduling heart health check-ups to better understand your heart. By scheduling regular preventive health check-ups, you and your doctor can determine what steps you should take to maintain your heart health.

Our cardiologists are ready to speak with you about your heart and help you make a plan for your long term wellness. To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, please call (505) 727-8966.

Cardiac and vascular screenings we offer

We are able to offer a range of noninvasive tests for your heart and arteries that are designed to provide clarity and detail around possible illnesses. The majority of them are quick, and you will have access to your results soon after the screening is performed.

Aortic artery ultrasound

An aortic ultrasound is performed to provide a better image of your aortic artery, the largest blood vessel in your body. It is able to detect any abnormalities in the artery wall, such as an aortic aneurysm, a serious health condition.

During your ultrasound, a technician will apply a gel to your abdomen, and then run an ultrasound wand, called a transducer, over your stomach and chest, allowing the soundwaves from the device to create a reflective image of your aorta. The test itself takes around thirty minutes in total.

After the test, your doctor will interpret the results and discuss them with you. After that, they will work with you to create a plan of care based on the image produced by the ultrasound.

Carotid duplex ultrasound

A carotid duplex ultrasound is used to create an image of your carotid arteries, the large vessels that run up along the sides of the neck. This test is used to determine the health of these arteries, and whether or not there is any narrowing, or atherosclerosis, to them.

During the test, a technician will place gel on either side of your neck and then run the ultrasound transducer over your skin. The test is completely painless, though you will feel pressure from the ultrasound wand. The screening itself will take around 15 to 30 minutes.

Soon after the exam, the ultrasound results will be interpreted and sent on to you and your doctor. From there, you and your provider will work together to plan your next steps.

CT calcium score

CT scans, also called computerized tomography scans, give a multilayered image of tissues inside the body. CT calcium scanning uses this technology to determine calcium buildup in the arteries of your neck and chest, called arterial plaque.

During your CT calcium score, you will lie on your back on a table that slides into a CT scanner. Electrode sensors will be placed on your chest. These sensors connect to a device that records your heart activity and helps take X-ray pictures between heartbeats when the heart muscles are relaxed. The technician will tell you to hold your breath at certain intervals to ensure a clear picture. Altogether, the scan will take around 10 to 15 minutes.

Your results will be interpreted and given to you and your provider in the form of a number, somewhere from 0 to 100, with 0 being no plaque present, and 100 being complete blockage. Based on these scores, your doctor may request additional tests, or prescribe medication to help you stay healthy.

After your test, you can drive yourself home and resume normal activities.

Schedule a $150 calcium scoring today— no referral needed! Albuquerque residents please call (505) 835-1615. Roswell residents please call (575) 625-3371.

Doppler scans for peripheral blood vessels

Doppler ultrasounds are a special kind of ultrasound designed to see blood flow. You may receive a doppler scan if your doctor thinks you may be at risk for venous insufficiency, peripheral artery disease, or deep vein thrombosis.

During a blood vessel scan, a gel will be used on the doppler transducer and on your arms or legs to help transmit the soundwaves through your body and create a clear image of the blood vessels. The test is completely painless, though there may be some discomfort as the technician presses on veins and arteries to get a better picture. They may also use cuffs to create pressure, which will feel no different than having your blood pressure taken.

This test can take some time to perform, depending on whether only one, both, or all four of your arms or legs needs to be examined.Afterward, your results will be interpreted and sent to your doctor, who will discuss them with you. You may be scheduled for further tests, or prescribed medications to help you stay healthy.

Vascular screening exam

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, but vascular disease outside the heart causes almost as much death and disability as heart disease, and more than any cancer. The vascular laboratory now offers a vascular screening exam for the detection of arterial disease.

This examination is an optional screening procedure that is not reimbursable by insurance plans. It is not related to any other vascular examination, screening or complete evaluation, which may be payable by insurance, Medicare or other third-party payers.

The vascular screening exam consists of three components:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm evaluation – An ultrasound of the aorta (the body’s main artery) will determine how big a potential aneurysm is, and when it needs treatment.
• Carotid artery disease evaluation – This quick carotid duplex ultrasound checks for severe hypertension. It also detects frequent causes of stroke before they develop.
• Peripheral artery disease evaluation — This Doppler exam can quickly determine if there is any impairment (blockages) in the circulation to the limbs, as well as how severe the blockage is and whether treatment is needed.

Who should get a heart screening?

If you are a male 40 years or older or a female 45 years or older and are at an increased risk for heart disease, you should consider a heart screening. You are at an increased risk if you:

• Are diabetic
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Are a past or present smoker
• Have a history of high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure
• Are overweight or lead an inactive lifestyle

We can help you manage your heart health by starting with a heart scan to detect potential issues before they happen. Plus, a heart scan can motivate you to make important lifestyle changes and follow treatment plans for a lifetime of good heart health.