NMMC brings low-cost heart screenings to Hamilton for February

HAMILTON — North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton is now offering expanding low-cost heart screening.
In honor of American Heart Month, the screening will be offered at a discounted rate of $50 for those who request an appointment in February.
“By investing in upgraded CT scanners at our hospitals, we are able to increase access to heart imaging tests across our region,” said Robin Mixon, North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton administrator.
“We want to bring this potentially life-saving screening as close to home as possible.”
In partnership with Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi, the screening identifies the risk for heart disease using three tests.
“Being aware of your risk for coronary artery disease is extremely important, particularly in those with a family history or other risk factors,” says Dr. Roger Williams, president of Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi.
“The sooner someone realizes they are at increased risk, the better, as preventive treatment can begin. Heart screenings are a quick, easy and cost-effective way to establish your level of risk. Like our grandparents said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!’”
Open to patients age 35 and older, the screening includes:
Calcium Score: Using a CT scan, the coronary calcium score looks for specks of calcium in the walls of heart arteries, which can indicate early heart disease.
EKG (Electrocardiogram): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
Lipid profile: This blood test measures levels for total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
Outside of February, the screening is available for $95. Insurance is not filed for the low-cost heart screening.
The NMHS team is working to expand access for heart screenings to North Mississippi Health Services-South Marion in Winfield.
Learn more about heart screening and request an appointment by visiting nmhs.net/heart-screening or calling 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).