How A Williamson Health Heart Screening Revealed A Life-Threatening Problem
Published: February 17, 2025
Originally published in the Williamson Herald —
When it comes to making decisions, Mike Schatz has plenty of experience. As Chief Development Officer and Partner at the Brentwood-based marketing agency 5by5, he moves fast, juggling responsibilities and focusing on the success of his clients. But one decision last February proved to be more important than any business deal—it potentially saved his life.
“People like me move fast,” Schatz said. “Sometimes, you can miss important things like paying close attention to your health.”
Last year, while attending a Williamson Health-sponsored community breakfast in Franklin, Schatz learned the regional healthcare system was once again offering a $50 cardiac calcium score screening promotion throughout February. The screening is a quick, painless scan for asymptomatic individuals ages 40 to 75, designed to detect heart disease risks before symptoms emerge.
Intrigued, Schatz decided to sign up—not because he suspected anything was wrong, but simply out of curiosity.
“Williamson Health is one of our clients at 5by5,” Schatz said. “Like anyone we serve, I like to know what [our clients] do and how they do it. This was finally a chance to ‘kick the tires.’”
An Unexpected Diagnosis
Schatz, an active 60-year-old who plays tennis, lifts weights and maintains a healthy diet, wasn’t expecting any surprises. But when his results came in, he was stunned.
“I received a communication that I needed to meet with a cardiologist,” Schatz recalled, recounting his consultation with Amit Keswani, M.D., a cardiologist with Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Franklin who practices at Williamson Medical Center. “He told me my score was high. In fact, I was in the top 1%. Now, I actually like being in the top percentile for most things — but this wasn’t one of them.”
Schatz underwent further testing, including a heart catheterization procedure in Williamson Health’s Cardiac Center. These tests revealed a shocking reality: Schatz had a 95% blockage in the heart’s main artery, commonly known as the “widow-maker.”
“It’s funny that they don’t have slang names for other arteries, but this one they do,” Schatz said. A blockage that severe meant Schatz was at imminent risk of a fatal heart attack.
“I’m that guy who probably would have — out of nowhere — had a stroke, heart attack or worse,” Schatz said. “You hear those kinds of stories all the time.”
A Life-Saving Screening
That’s why, Dr. Keswani said, preventive tests such as the cardiac calcium score screening, are an important tool in detecting heart disease in its earliest stages.
“A coronary calcium screening isn’t just a test; it’s a tool to give us actionable information that we can use to develop a targeted plan to protect your heart,” Dr. Keswani said. “Whether that involves lifestyle changes, medication or further testing, it helps us make the best decisions for your long-term health.”
Ultimately, Schatz underwent bypass surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, followed by participation in Williamson Health’s cardiac rehabilitation program. Now, a year after he signed up for the screening that changed his life, Schatz is living life to the fullest.
“If Williamson Health hadn’t offered the cardiac calcium screening promotion last year, I wouldn’t have done the screening—and I certainly wouldn’t have met with a cardiologist and, ultimately, undergone the bypass procedure.”
Williamson Health is offering its “Love Your Heart. Know Your Risk“ coronary calcium heart screening again this year throughout February, which is American Heart Month. The screening is non-invasive and takes just a few minutes, utilizing a CT machine to take images of the heart’s blood vessels. Each individual screened will be given a score based on the amount of calcium buildup indicated by the test, and results will be sent to the patient and his or her primary care provider.
The $50 cardiac calcium score screening is available to asymptomatic adults with an average risk of heart disease. 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). Please call by February 28 to schedule an appointment.
Cardiac calcium score screenings are one of many ways Williamson Health prioritizes heart health. The newly opened, world-class 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.
For more information about Williamson Health’s award-winning cardiac care, click here.
How A Williamson Health Heart Screening Revealed A Life-Threatening Problem
Originally published in the Williamson Herald —
When it comes to making decisions, Mike Schatz has plenty of experience. As Chief Development Officer and Partner at the Brentwood-based marketing agency 5by5, he moves fast, juggling responsibilities and focusing on the success of his clients. But one decision last February proved to be more important than any business deal—it potentially saved his life.
“People like me move fast,” Schatz said. “Sometimes, you can miss important things like paying close attention to your health.”
Last year, while attending a Williamson Health-sponsored community breakfast in Franklin, Schatz learned the regional healthcare system was once again offering a $50 cardiac calcium score screening promotion throughout February. The screening is a quick, painless scan for asymptomatic individuals ages 40 to 75, designed to detect heart disease risks before symptoms emerge.
Intrigued, Schatz decided to sign up—not because he suspected anything was wrong, but simply out of curiosity.
“Williamson Health is one of our clients at 5by5,” Schatz said. “Like anyone we serve, I like to know what [our clients] do and how they do it. This was finally a chance to ‘kick the tires.’”
An Unexpected Diagnosis
Schatz, an active 60-year-old who plays tennis, lifts weights and maintains a healthy diet, wasn’t expecting any surprises. But when his results came in, he was stunned.
“I received a communication that I needed to meet with a cardiologist,” Schatz recalled, recounting his consultation with Amit Keswani, M.D., a cardiologist with Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Franklin who practices at Williamson Medical Center. “He told me my score was high. In fact, I was in the top 1%. Now, I actually like being in the top percentile for most things — but this wasn’t one of them.”
Schatz underwent further testing, including a heart catheterization procedure in Williamson Health’s Cardiac Center. These tests revealed a shocking reality: Schatz had a 95% blockage in the heart’s main artery, commonly known as the “widow-maker.”
“It’s funny that they don’t have slang names for other arteries, but this one they do,” Schatz said. A blockage that severe meant Schatz was at imminent risk of a fatal heart attack.
“I’m that guy who probably would have — out of nowhere — had a stroke, heart attack or worse,” Schatz said. “You hear those kinds of stories all the time.”
A Life-Saving Screening
That’s why, Dr. Keswani said, preventive tests such as the cardiac calcium score screening, are an important tool in detecting heart disease in its earliest stages.
“A coronary calcium screening isn’t just a test; it’s a tool to give us actionable information that we can use to develop a targeted plan to protect your heart,” Dr. Keswani said. “Whether that involves lifestyle changes, medication or further testing, it helps us make the best decisions for your long-term health.”
Ultimately, Schatz underwent bypass surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, followed by participation in Williamson Health’s cardiac rehabilitation program. Now, a year after he signed up for the screening that changed his life, Schatz is living life to the fullest.
“If Williamson Health hadn’t offered the cardiac calcium screening promotion last year, I wouldn’t have done the screening—and I certainly wouldn’t have met with a cardiologist and, ultimately, undergone the bypass procedure.”
Williamson Health is offering its “Love Your Heart. Know Your Risk“ coronary calcium heart screening again this year throughout February, which is American Heart Month. The screening is non-invasive and takes just a few minutes, utilizing a CT machine to take images of the heart’s blood vessels. Each individual screened will be given a score based on the amount of calcium buildup indicated by the test, and results will be sent to the patient and his or her primary care provider.
The $50 cardiac calcium score screening is available to asymptomatic adults with an average risk of heart disease. 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). Please call by February 28 to schedule an appointment.
Cardiac calcium score screenings are one of many ways Williamson Health prioritizes heart health. The newly opened, world-class 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.
For more information about Williamson Health’s award-winning cardiac care, click here.
Published: February 17, 2025
