New Service Helps Patients Reduce Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke and Vascular Disease

Heart disease is the nation’s number one killer, and improving your lifestyle is your best defense, according to the American Heart Association. Just in time for American Heart Month (February), Adventist Health Sonora has introduced a new service to help patients understand and reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

The Lipid Resource Center provides a lipid analysis, full cardiovascular risk assessment and extensive education and lifestyle management tools, including medication recommendations when appropriate. The center is staffed by advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists with advanced education), exercise instructors and nutritional therapists who work collaboratively with patients and their physicians.

“Our Advanced Practice Nurses spend 30-45 minutes educating each patient and creating an individualized plan to help him or her make small changes that can make a big difference in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Clinical Nurse Specialist Julie Mena, R.N., M.S.N. “We’re a resource for both patients and their physicians.”

Patients need a physician referral to access the Lipid Resource Center, which accepts Medicare and other insurance. The Center is located at the Adventist Health Sonora Live Well Be Well Center, 19747 Greenly Road, Sonora, and can be reached at (209) 536-3720.