McKenzie Health System Spotlights Heart Health with Screenings during American Heart Month

Jay Smith, Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiopulmonary

With heart disease continuing to be the leading cause of death for both women and men, McKenzie Health System is taking action during American Heart Month this February to promote heart health and encourage regular screenings. According to the American Heart Association, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease in the United States—underscoring the critical need for awareness and prevention.

As part of this initiative, McKenzie Health System is offering women a discounted $75 rate for cardiac calcium scoring, along with free glucose and cholesterol screenings for the first 50 who request them.

Appointments for cardiac scoring can be made by calling 810-648-6110, while the glucose and cholesterol screenings are available without an appointment. However, the blood test does require fasting beforehand.

Cardiac calcium scoring measures the buildup of plaque in the walls of the heart’s arteries, which can indicate the presence of coronary artery disease. Cholesterol deposits that calcify in the arterial walls are detected through this advanced scan, providing valuable insights into heart health.

“Heart health is a priority that impacts us all, and there’s no better time than now to take proactive steps to protect your heart,” said Jay Smith, Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiopulmonary at McKenzie Health System. “From preventative screenings to daily healthy habits, we are committed to helping our community stay heart-strong, and we’re proud to offer this opportunity to promote women’s heart health.”

In addition to screenings, McKenzie Health System encourages community members to follow and “like” its Facebook page at facebook.com/McKenzieHealthSystem. Throughout American Heart Month, the page will share heart-healthy tips, recipes, and fun ways to stay active.

Along with promoting heart health awareness, McKenzie Health System is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its healthcare providers. Seven McKenzie Family Healthcare providers—James Sams, MD; Nicole Krosnicki, NP; Megan Burgess, NP; Mike Lewis, NP; Kim Curell, PA; Matthew Gormley, MD; and Brandy Trepkowski, NP—were recently recognized as 2024 Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champions. This prestigious national recognition highlights their exceptional success in helping patients manage blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Their dedication exemplifies McKenzie's commitment to advancing cardiovascular health through compassionate and high-quality care.