One in four people will have a heart-related problem in their lifetime.

Get heart smart: know your numbers

We're your partner in understanding your risk for heart disease. It's important that you know your risk so you can take steps toward prevention. We offer tests - lipid panel and blood glucose - that provide key indicators about your heart health. These tests are available on a walk-in basis at any of Community Hospital's laboratory facilities. That means if you choose to get a direct-access test, you don't need a note from your doctor.

The lipid panel assesses cholesterol levels. When these levels are too high, plaque can form on your artery walls, restricting blood flow, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. The blood glucose determines your blood-sugar levels. Those levels can provide early signs about potential diabetes, which can predispose you to heart disease. The cost is $35 for the lipid panel - cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides - and $10 for the blood glucose if you pay at the time of service. If you prefer, you can get a doctor's referral for the tests, and then the costs will be determined by your health insurance.

The results of your tests will be sent to you in the mail. Once you receive them, please fill out the personal risk assessment to help you determine your risk for heart disease. Then discuss any concerns you might have with your doctor.