A yearly heart health screening promotion is saving lives in Williamson County—Williamson Health is once again offering its $50 cardiac calcium score screening this February during American Heart Month.

The coronary calcium score screening is a quick, painless scan for asymptomatic individuals ages 40 to 75, designed to detect heart disease risks before symptoms emerge.

Last year, Mike Schatz’s screening revealed a life-threatening condition he didn’t suspect, despite leading a healthy lifestyle. The scan showed potential blockages, prompting Schatz to consult Dr. Amit Keswani, a cardiologist with Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Franklin practicing at Williamson Medical Center. Schatz underwent a heart catheterization procedure in Williamson Medical Center’s Cardiac Center, confirming a 95% blockage in his “widowmaker” artery, the heart’s primary blood supply. A heart attack likely would have proved fatal.

“He told me my score was high,” Schatz recalls. “In fact, I was in the top 1% for my age. I actually like being in the top percentile for most things—but this wasn’t one of them.”

Schatz underwent bypass surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, followed by participation in Williamson Health’s cardiac rehabilitation program. Now, he’s back to living an active life.

Schatz, Chief Development Officer and partner at Brentwood-based marketing agency 5by5, only signed up for the screening that potentially saved his life because he learned of it through his company’s work with Williamson Health. And he’s not the only one.

Mark Harless, a teacher at Franklin High School, scheduled his screening at his wife’s insistence. His score was far above the threshold, indicating significant risk.

Harless, who had no prior symptoms of heart trouble, underwent further testing, including heart catheterization at Williamson Medical Center performed by Dr. Keswani. The procedure revealed significant blockages, leading to open heart surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital. After surgery, Harless participated in and graduated from Williamson Health’s cardiac rehabilitation program.  Today, he is doing well and credits the screening with saving his life.

“[Williamson Medical Center] is a very special place,” Mark says. “It’s like a family here, and it’s making a difference in this community. This all started with a $50-dollar test, but to me, it was worth a million dollars.”

Williamson Health is offering the $50 coronary calcium score screening promotion throughout the month of February. Interested individuals can schedule an appointment by calling (615) 435-5361 and payment by credit or debit card is required to reserve an appointment. Screenings will be conducted on the first floor of the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee (3000 Edward Curd Lane). Results will be mailed to patients and their primary care physicians. Please call by February 28 to book an appointment.

Cardiac calcium score screenings are one of many ways Williamson Health prioritizes heart health. The newly opened, world-class Cardiac Cardiac Center in the Boyer-Bryan West Tower includes two advanced cardiac catheterization labs, an electrophysiology (EP) lab, and pre- and post-procedure recovery areas. These cutting-edge facilities and technologies enable physicians to perform a full spectrum of diagnostic and interventional procedures.

Visit the Williamson Health website to learn more.