Kansas City, KS – Heart disease can develop in women with little or no warning. Angela Boggess had no idea she was at risk until a routine five-minute heart scan revealed a dangerously high coronary calcium score of 1,589, ultimately leading to life-saving triple bypass surgery. On All Things Heart, Angela and Dr. Ethan Alexander share her story, while KC Current Vice President of Communications Dani Welniak discusses how the “Goals for Heart” initiative is helping women access free heart screenings and potentially prevent life-threatening cardiac events.
Angela Boggess, Patient
- Angela underwent a coronary calcium screening, known as a CardioScore, after being referred by Dr. Ethan Alexander.
- Her score was 1,589, far above the ideal score of zero.
- She had additional testing, including a stress test and cardiac catheterization, ultimately led to triple bypass open-heart surgery performed by Dr. Tyler Zorn.
- Angela shares her reaction to the unexpected findings, her recovery and how the experience has changed her perspective on heart health.
- She discusses the importance of knowing your risk, even when you feel healthy.
Dr. Ethan Alexander, Endocrinologist, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Alexander explains why he recommended a CardioScore for Angela and what prompted him to investigate her heart health.
- He discusses who should consider coronary calcium screening and at what age.
- He explains how a screening can reveal potential heart disease in patients who have few or no symptoms.
- He discusses the importance of preventive care and identifying cardiac risk before a major event occurs.
Dr. Mark Wiley, Interventional Cardiologist, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Clinical Service Chief, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Wiley explains what a coronary calcium score measures and how it helps physicians evaluate a patient's risk for heart disease.
- He discusses how Angela's elevated score led to additional testing and ultimately triple bypass surgery.
- He explains how physicians determine when a patient needs surgical intervention and what bypass surgery is designed to accomplish.
- He discusses treatment options and lifestyle changes that may help reduce future cardiac risk.
- He explains why patients can have significant coronary artery disease without experiencing obvious symptoms.
Dani Welniak, Vice President of Communications, Kansas City Current
- Dani discusses the Kansas City Current's “Goals for Heart” partnership with the Adelaide C. Ward Women's Heart Health Center at The University of Kansas Health System.
- She explains how the team donates $1,000 for every goal scored during the season to support women's heart health programs.
- Dani discusses why the organization chose to focus on women's heart health and how players are responding to the opportunity to make a difference beyond the soccer field.
