After hearing about Valley Health System’s complimentary heart screening from his wife, Kevin Pattermann was hesitant to go.
“Honestly, I knew I wouldn’t get good results. I didn’t eat well, I did a lot of late-night snacking, I exercised minimally, and thought I was doing better by making fruit smoothies, but they had so much sugar in them once I read the label,” said the 56-year-old. “But my wife, Tara, who works for Valley, told me to go, so I did.”
Valley offers free heart screening beginning at age 20. A Valley board-certified nurse practitioner who specializes in heart health works with patients to take an extensive health history, perform a physical exam, review, lab work, and provide a comprehensive assessment of your risk for developing heart disease. Education regarding methods to reduce personalized risks is offered, and in partnership with each patient, an individualized plan for risk reduction is developed.
“I completed my standard lab work and reviewed it with the team, along with my physical results. I had a great experience, and everyone was very professional and took good care of me,” said Kevin. “This assessment showed that I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and was pre-diabetic.”
Mary D’Entremont, APN-BC, provided education about the Mediterranean diet along with salt restriction, discussed a program of physical activity, and advised a physician referral for further blood pressure management.
The next day, the Emerson resident scheduled a follow-up appointment with his Valley Medical Group primary care physician, Marciano Figueroa Jr., MD, mainly for his high blood pressure.
Dr. Figueroa agreed with the Mediterranean diet recommendation which emphasizes minimally processed, plant-based foods and healthy fats, with moderate amounts of fish, dairy, and poultry.
“My family gave me a cookbook for the Mediterranean diet, and I have made about 25 different recipes,” said Kevin. “Everything is delicious and healthy.”
In addition to changing his diet, Kevin has also started exercising, and his labs have improved.
“Since my heart screening in December 2024, I have continued to have great visits with Dr. Figueroa,” said Kevin. “My blood pressure is close to normal, I am no longer pre-diabetic, and my cholesterol levels are greatly reduced. I have also lost about 12 pounds and feel so much better now.”
“The heart screening was truly an eye-opener for me. I was treated like a person and had a great conversation regarding my health plan. I would recommend everyone take advantage of the complimentary screening.”
To learn more about the free, comprehensive heart screening at Valley, please visit ValleyHealth.com/HeartScreening.