Your comprehensive cardiac physical includes:

• Comprehensive history and physical exam which includes one hour with a board-certified cardiologist and post-cardiac testing summation with lab results mailed to you within seven days.
• Medical history review
• Family health risks review
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Complete laboratory analysis, including
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Lipid panel (Total, HDL, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides)
• Blood sugar
• Liver function
• Electrolytes
• Thyroid function (TSH)
• Calcium scoring test which measures the calcified plaque in the coronary arteries
• Optional VO2 stress test, which is an exercise treadmill test that determines your heart’s response to physical activity, for an additional fee
• Carotid ultrasound which detects plaque blockages in the carotid arteries of the neck, which can often lead to a stroke
• Abdominal aortic ultrasound that visualizes the abdominal aorta and detects enlargement (aneurysm)
• Lower extremities arterial study (LEAS) which determines if plaque is inhibiting blood flow to the legs
• ECHO, an ultrasound test that measures the heart wall motion, thickness of the heart muscle and function of the heart valves
• Chest X-ray to assess heart size and presence of pulmonary disease

* Optional Wellness Coaching: Behavior modification includes:

• Preventative and lifestyle management
• Cardiac risk reductionNutrition counseling
• Complete fitness assessment and weight management program
• Individualized action plan for improvement

* Can be scheduled at the Centra Healthy Living Center by appointment at a later time

The total cost of the Advanced Cardiovascular Assessment is $2,500.

All ACE assessments are to be paid at the time of service. Centra does not file with insurance carriers for this evaluation.

Please contact us if you have any questions.
Advanced Cardiovascular Evaluation/Susan Clapp, R.N.
2410 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone: 434.907.7681
E-mail: susan.clapp@centrahealth.com

Advanced Cardiac Evaluation (ACE) Testing
The following is a brief explanation of your ACE cardiovascular tests and what to expect.

Echocardiogram:  An echocardiogram is an ultrasound study that provides the cardiologist with moving pictures of your heart. It will show him the size and thickness of your heart chambers and allow him to visualize your heart valves. He also will be able to see the pumping capability of your heart. During the study, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up. Women will be given a gown to wear during the procedure.

You will be asked to lie on your left side and electrodes will be attached to your chest. The sonographer will apply ultrasound gel to a microphone-like device called a transducer.The gel allows the ultrasound beam to penetrate your chest wall so that it is possible to visualize your heart. During recording, you may be asked to change your position and to hold your breath in order to obtain the best quality pictures.

Abdominal Ultrasound: This ultrasound test of the abdomen is to evaluate the size of the abdominal aorta and will be used to find evidence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm is a “ballooning out” of the artery wall and increases the risk of a rupture, which can cause blood loss, shock and death.

During this test, you need to fast prior to your screening. If you are thirsty during your fasting period, you may have a small amount of water. If you take medicine, take it as prescribed. You will be asked to lie on your back on an exam table while the sonographer applies gel to your abdomen. Measurements and images will be taken of your aorta by moving the transducer across your abdomen.  The images will be recorded into a computerized archival system for the cardiologist to review.

Carotid Artery Ultrasound:  This ultrasound test uses Doppler color technology to create images of the carotid arteries. The amount of plaque buildup and the speed of the blood flow can determine if there is a disruption of adequate blood flow to the brain. The carotid arteries are the main blood suppliers to the brain and plaque buildup can cause a stroke.

During the test, you will be asked to lie on your back on an exam table. After applying gel to your neck, the sonographer will use the transducer on your neck to create images of the carotid arteries and assess the rate of blood flow within them.

Lower Extremity Arterial Study:  This study is used to evaluate the possibility of significant blockages in the leg arteries. You will be asked to lie down, and four blood pressure cuffs will be placed on each arm and leg. We will check the blood pressure in each cuff, looking for a pressure difference that would indicate a blockage. We will then use a Doppler to listen to the blood flow at four different points along each leg. Next you will perform low-level exercise by walking on the treadmill or doing “toe-ups” for a maximum of five minutes. Afterward, you will immediately lie down, and we will check the pressures in your ankles, looking for an additional drop in pressure that would indicate a possible blockage in the lower legs.