Take this to Heart- Heart Disease is the #1 killer in women.

The facts are scary.  Heart disease is the number 1 killer in women, in all races.  It is estimated that 1 in 2 women will die of heart disease or stroke. In fact, deaths due to heart disease and stroke outnumber all forms of cancer in women.  So what can women do?

February has just passed, and so has the American Heart Association sponsored National Heart Month.  The AHA highlights their Go Red for Women campaign during February.  The purpose of Go Red is to increase awareness about heart disease and stroke in women and offer prevention and treatment options.  Women need to be concerned about their heart health all year round, and West Suburban Cardiologists is committed to keep the awareness campaign going.

Karen Lambert, M.D. is a physician at West Suburban Cardiologists and in charge of their Women’s Health Clinic. "Every woman can take steps to lower her risk of developing heart disease.  It's never too early or too late to improve your heart health.  No matter a woman's age, she needs to take action to protect her heart health through prevention and treatment," Lambert states.  Such preventative actions as exercise and healthy eating are ways to keep your heart healthy.  But sometimes, living a healthy lifestyle just isn’t enough.  Family history, smoking, obesity, are a few of the risk factors women need to be aware of in order to keep their hearts healthy. 

New technology can detect early stages of heart disease. Known as cardiac CT scanning, this test can detect heart disease, often before symptoms occur.  West Suburban Cardiologists offer a Heart Scan, which Lambert describes as "a heart scan that can detect levels of calcium build up in coronary arteries.  This safe, non-invasive heart scan does not involve injections or medications and uses low radiation." Furthermore, "by detecting your calcium score with our Heart Scan, you can detect early progression of heart disease."

A quick, easy to take test, which can give you and your family peace of mind, and that possibly could save your life.  Lambert mentions that "this is primarily for patients with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smokers, obesity, post menopausal or family history of heart attack or stroke."

West Suburban Cardiologists will continue to run their special for a Heart Scan coinciding with National Heart Month, two scans for the price of one.  Bring a loved one, spouse, family member, or friend.

West Suburban Cardiologists have been at the forefront of heart and vascular technology since 1971.  They have consistently pioneered new technology and was the first in the western suburbs to open the first cardiac catheterization laboratory at LaGrange Memorial Hospital, performing the first coronary angiogram there, performing the areas first PTCA (a procedure to clear blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart), performing a procedure to insert a stent in blocked coronary arteries, and being the first in Chicago to have GE’s 64 slice CT technology.  For over 30 years, West Suburban Cardiologists have been specializing in the detection, treatment and rehabilitation of cardiac diseases through compassionate care, experienced physicians, and access to the newest technology.  Their breadth of specialties includes blood pressure and cholesterol management, cardiac diagnostic testing, and their Clinics -- Coumadin, CHF CARE, Lipid, Arrhythmia, and Vascular. Offices are located in LaGrange, Hinsdale, Oak Lawn, and Chicago.  Please visit www.westsubcardiology.com for more information. Please call 630.972.8500 to schedule your Heart Scan.