Online test screens for heart disease

Community Memorial Hospital has launched an online screening for early detection of heart disease in Ventura County.

HeartAware is an interactive, seven-minute, online personal health risk questionnaire that focuses on the prevention and early detection of heart disease. To take the test, visit www.cmhhospital.org and click on the HeartAware icon. Those without access to the Internet can call the Community Memorial Hospital Early Detection Center at (805) 667-2818 to have the test mailed to their home or to make an appointment to take the assessment online at the center.

After the health risk assessment, each participant is given a personalized and confidential report indicating their overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as ways to reduce it.

If the individual meets certain clinical criteria, they are given the opportunity to meet with a Community Memorial Hospital cardiac clinician for a free, nocost, noobligation consultation. The followup includes a 30- to 45-minute screening session where a painless blood test is given to check blood sugar and cholesterol levels, plus blood pressure, weight, body mass index and percentage of body fat are measured.

If a person is found to be at risk, the cardiac clinician will offer recommendations on improving their health and contacting their primary care physician or cardiologist.