Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples



KOOTENAI HEALTH– Coeur d'Alene , Idaho
Heart to Heart Screenings Program

What is it?
Since its inception, the Heart to Heart program has screened thousands of people at Kootenai Heart Center, local businesses, and health fairs. The screening takes only 15 minutes and includes lipid profile: total cholesterol, HDL, risk ratio of total chol/HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and glucose; blood pressure measurement; body mass index (BMI); and a review of the results compared with healthy values. Heart to Heart risk screening is offered, by appointment, in the Kootenai Heart Center lobby every February during American Heart Month, and at various community events throughout the year. Cost is $15 for the first screening and $20 for follow-up screenings; financial assistance is available based on need. 

Who is it for?  
Anyone who may be served by Kootenai Medical Center and would benefit from a non-invasive, preventative cardiac screening. 

Why do they do it?
Heart disease is an equal opportunity menace. It can strike men and women, young and old. Once considered a disease that afflicted only the elderly, we now know that screening and prevention are important even in your 40s to establish a cardiovascular risk baseline. We now also know that, after age 45, the risk for heart disease doubles every 10 years. These screenings can save lives by detecting the potential for cardiovascular risk, which can lead to a heart problem that may be life threatening.

Impact:   Kootenai Heart Center began Heart to Heart screenings in 2002; in the last six years, they have screened over 7,000 area residents. Over 300 participants have been referred to their physician for follow-up testing based on this preventative cardiovascular baseline screening. 

Contact: Joyce Kratz Klatt
Heart to Heart and Community Health Screening, Kootenai Heart Center
Telephone: 208-666-2897
E-mail: jkratz-klatt@kmc.org