Howie Duncan, a spirited 69-year-old and co-owner of Suburpia, a beloved Milwaukee sandwich shop with a rich 50-year history, is living proof of the power of proactive health measures. As a colon cancer survivor committed to his well-being, Duncan diligently attended annual checkups at Aurora Medical Center – Burlington. It was during his routine April 2024 visit that a simple sign advertising a $49 heart scan caught his eye, changing his life in ways he never imagined. On a spontaneous decision, Howie opted for the scan, a move that would ultimately unveil a hidden and critical health issue.
This affordable heart scan is designed to perform a calcium scoring test, a crucial indicator of an individual’s risk of developing heart disease. By measuring the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, the scan effectively assesses the likelihood of future cardiac events. Elevated calcium scores often prompt timely medical interventions, significantly reducing the risk of heart attacks and other severe heart conditions. For Howie, the results were not just revealing; they were alarming. Beyond indicating high cholesterol, his calcium score was exceptionally high. While a normal to moderate range falls between 0 and 300, Howie’s score registered a staggering 1,583.
The gravity of these results led to an immediate referral to Dr. Robert Richmond and the specialized cardiology team at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, part of Advocate Health Care. Further comprehensive testing confirmed a significant 90% blockage in one of Howie’s heart arteries. Due to the severity of the blockage, the cardiac team determined that stents would be insufficient, and coronary bypass surgery was necessary to alleviate the critical strain on Howie’s heart. Remarkably, just days after his initial $49 heart scan at Advocate Health Care, Howie underwent successful coronary bypass surgery, expertly performed by Dr. William Fischer. His recovery was swift and positive. After just five days, Howie was discharged and able to return home, a testament to the effectiveness of early detection and the skilled medical team. He’s now back at his beloved sandwich shop, has enjoyed a European vacation, and has made a full return to his active and healthy life.
“Heart scans, especially those readily accessible through programs at places like Advocate Health Care, are vital for the early detection of heart disease, potential heart attacks, and other life-threatening cardiac conditions,” emphasizes Dr. Fischer. “Witnessing Howie’s complete recovery and his return to the activities he loves truly highlights the life-saving impact of our team’s work and the importance of preventative scans.” Grateful for this second chance, Howie has become a passionate advocate for heart health awareness and the power of early detection through heart scans.
“I encourage everyone I meet to get a heart scan,” Howie shares emphatically. “I genuinely believe this scan has added years to my life, allowing me to look forward to a long and healthy future with my wife.” Beyond heart scans, adopting proactive lifestyle changes significantly contributes to heart health. A balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, stress management, and abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are all crucial steps in reducing the risk of heart disease and associated risk factors.
Heart scans are generally recommended for individuals aged 35 and over who have not been previously diagnosed with heart disease and do not have a pacemaker. Additionally, it’s advised for those with at least two or more of the following heart disease risk factors: being male and over 45, female and over 55, obesity, diabetes, family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, depression, high blood pressure, smoking history, or physical inactivity.
Learn more about the $49 heart scan offered by Advocate Health Care in Illinois or Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin. Take a free online heart risk quiz to understand your personal risk profile.
