Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. It’s responsible for more deaths than any other condition, and yet, it’s one of the most preventable.
You may have heard of the term “widowmaker.” It refers to a massive heart attack that occurs in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, one of the main arteries supplying blood to your heart muscle.
When this artery becomes blocked, it can lead to near-instant death. That’s where the name comes from, because it leaves behind a widow.
Cardiovascular Screenings
Here’s the thing, most doctors do perform cardiovascular screening. But after 14+ years of working directly with men, I can tell you: it’s not always enough.
Our current medical system follows standard protocols that can overlook early warning signs. That’s not about pointing fingers, it’s about acknowledging that “standard” doesn’t always mean “optimal.”
At Phoenix Men’s Health Center, we believe in going deeper. We combine your physical exams with advanced testing to catch heart issues before they become life-threatening.
Cardiovascular Screening at PhxMHC
When you come in for cardiovascular screening, you can expect more than just a cholesterol test.
We look at inflammation, both in your heart and throughout your body because inflammation is one of the first indicators that something is wrong.
Here are a few key tests we often recommend:
- Lp(a)
- LP-PLA2
- ApoB
These are simple blood tests that can reveal hidden cardiovascular risk long before symptoms appear.
We also utilize calcium CT scoring, an imaging scan that measures the buildup of calcium in your arteries. This gives us a clear look at how healthy (or clogged) your blood vessels really are.
Heart Health Isn’t Just About Numbers
Heart health isn’t just about numbers. It’s about context. That’s why we combine your lab results with:
- Blood pressure and heart exam
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, obesity)
- Family history
From there, we can build a complete picture of your cardiovascular health and determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed.
The Takeaway: Don’t Wait
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my heart okay?”, don’t ignore that instinct.
Bring it up with your doctor. Ask for more in-depth cardiovascular screening.
Your life, your family, and your future are worth that conversation.
At Phoenix Men’s Health Center, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
We’ll help you get the answers you need, build a plan that fits your life, and make sure you’re around for all the moments that matter most.
Your health. Your family. Your legacy.
Take care of your heart, and live the long, strong life you deserve.
