That's just one of the factors governing risk.

On one test, the odds were stacked against Nancy Wallace. Her mother had a heart attack, her dad had bypass surgery and a pacemaker and her brother died from a heart attack at age 56.

Nancy has not had heart trouble but says, "I think it can change very quickly. I've had my cholesterol go up and down, my blood pressure go up and down. I know with my parents' history and my brother not even knowing he had a heart condition to lose his life so suddenly, we always have to be cautious."

Dr. Shirley Huerter couldn't agree more. The cardiologist believes that Wallace is a perfect candidate for Women's Heart Check Plus at Alegent Health.

The heart screening includes a blood pressure check, body mass index, cholesterol and glucose level tests, along with an EKG. The results let women know if they're at risk and what they can do about it.

Dr. Huerter says, "I think there isn't a woman over 40 who wouldn't benefit from having this screening done. It's also going to include a consultation with someone trained, a nurse practitioner to look at your numbers and talk to you about what you might be able to specifically do differently."

Nancy Wallace knows regular exercise could reduce her risk even more. Being honest with doctors, nurses and herself could make a world of difference.

She says, "I don't want to have to worry about my health. I have children and grandchildren and I want to be around to see them grow up. I think this is peace of mind."

Consider getting the screening if you're 40 or older, post menopausal, or have one of these risk factors:

Smoke or have diabetes

Women's Heart Check Plus runs $70 during the month of February.

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Bergan Mercy Medical Center	Immanuel Medical Center
Lakeside Hospital	Midlands Hospital
Mercy Hospital	Alegent Health Clinic