PRIMA HEART Preventive CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER & INSTITUTE AT THE MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER

 

Monterey Sports CenterThe PRIMA HEART Preventive Cardiovascular Center and Institute is being founded at the Monterey Sports Center and partnered with the mission of providing a full spectrum of cardiovascular, diagnostic, educational and community preventive health programs. This is the first such partnership in health services programs in the State of California and one of the few in the country. With cardiovascular disease being the number one killer of men and women, it is vital to our community and to our nation's health to focus on early disease detection, early intervention and prevention. As the Preventive Cardiovascular Center and Institute grows and develops, we will be adding professionals and educators dedicated to these goals. Our focus is advancing preventive health knowledge and implementing this knowledge to our community and beyond, from youth to seniors, for the “walking well” to those who may have cardiovascular disease.

The Monterey Sports Center currently provides fitness programs and services that promote a healthy and active lifestyle. The City of Monterey and Monterey Sports Center have earned respect nationally for their innovative approach to providing community-based wellness including highly respected physical therapy, fitness programs and lifestyle support programs. The Monterey Sports Center was the first municipal recreation facility in the country to receive preferred provider status from Medicare for providing physical therapy and now features preferred provider status with nearly all the major insurers including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Tricare. MSC therapists provide ergonomic evaluation and training for City of Monterey employees, fitness staff provide fitness evaluations for our firefighters, and fitness programs have benefitted employees, the military and the citizens of Monterey. The Monterey Sports Center continues to be a leader in recreation and a model for how a community can serve the needs of its citizens.

With the addition of PRIMA HEART to provide cardiovascular screening, evaluation services, state of the art diagnostic testing and imaging and multiple preventive cardiovascular programs, The Monterey Sports Center and The PRIMA HEART Preventive Cardiovascular Center and Institute will be at the forefront of providing innovative preventive health programs to the community.

 

Our goal.... "Add years to your life and life to your years. Preserve what matters."

Soteria Karahalios MD, FACC, FASNC, FAHA
Founder and Medical Director
PRIMA HEART Preventive Cardiovascular Center & Institute



SERVICES

 

 

Diagnostic Testing Services Available:

On-site:

  • Lipid Profile, fasting glucose screenings
  • EKG
  • Exercise Stress Test (Treadmill)
  • Complete 2D Echocardiogram
  • Carotid Ultrasound
  • Bilateral Venous ultrasound
  • Arterial ultrasound – lower extremities
  • Screening Pulmonary Function Testing
  • Holter Monitor testing

Off-site:

  • Nuclear Stress Testing
  • CT Coronary Calcium Score
  • CT Coronary Angiography (non-invasive)
  • MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Cardiac or Carotid

* All tests are performed and interpreted by a cardiologist.
Most insurances and Medicare accepted.

 

 

PRIMA HEART Screenings

  • Free Blood Pressure Screening, BMI, Waist Circumference
  • EKG (Electrocardiogram) - $40
  • Echocardiogram Screen (Cardiac Ultrasound) - $100
  • Carotid Ultrasound Screening for Stroke - $75
  • Pulmonary Function Screening for Lung Disease - $30
  • Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Glucose - $40
  • Lab review and risk profile by cardiologist -  $25
  • COMPLETE SET OF TESTING: $255

All interpretations are provided by a cardiologist.
Call 333-1345 for appointments.
NEXT SCREENING WED, FEBRUARY 8TH& THURS, FEBRUARY 9TH

Screenings available at two locations:
The Monterey Sports Center - Preventive Cardiovascular Center.
PRIMA HEART at 1010 Cass St.,Suite A-1

For cholesterol/lipid panel, glucose, blood can be drawn at your convenience at Hunter Lab, 1011 Cass or done at our screening.

Fasting labwork is preferred.

 

 

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Consultation

The Cardiovascular Risk Assessment offers a preventive health program aimed at men and women, including teens and young adults, who are interested in what their level of risk might be for heart disease. This is a health evaluation which involves a cardiovascular assessment, early disease detection, exercise and fitness assessment with recommendations, nutritional review of diet with individualized program with recommendations, and lifestyle enhancement.

Baseline assessments are the first step in the diagnostic and Preventive planning process for overall cardiac health in individual. These comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessments include the following:

  • Baseline lab work includes: metabolic panel, lipid profile, thyroid function tests, vitamin D level.
  • Cardiac Wellness Nurse - Initial interview and review of prescreening information, nutritional diary, activity exercise profile, and other general medical concerns and questions to be addressed.
  • Cardiology Consultation - An individualized cardiovascular consultation with cardiologist and based on this recommendations will be made regarding cholesterol/lipid management goals, blood pressure management, diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. Need for cardiovascular testing or imaging or follow up will also be outlined.

 

Cholesterol and Lipid Assessment and Management

Many individuals have a genetic predisposition to lipid disorders. The epidemic of heart disease has been also fueled by diets high in saturated fats, bad carbohydrates, salt, obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle. Before offering lipid modification therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, all other modifiable risk factors should be considered and their management optimized. These include body mass index and waist circumference, diet and nutrition, weight loss, exercise, tobacco use, and assessment of co morbidities and secondary causes of dyslipidemia, as well as genetic predisposition.

This program is aimed for individuals at risk from hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) or dyslipidemia, which is an abnormal or atherogenic lipid profile. The goals specifically addressed in this program are reducing LDL, (bad) cholesterol as well as raising HDL (good) cholesterol, and lowering of triglycerides and more complex lipid management if other abnormalities are detected. Aggressive and judicious use of all of lipid therapies with lifestyle modification are the elements of our management program with the goal of preventing progression of disease at all stages with the most current knowledge in the field of Lipidology applied.

* Most insurances and Medicare accepted.

 

 

The Women’s Heart Program

One in two women die of heart disease, and with women making up to 90% of household healthcare decisions and responsible for their spouse’s and children’s health, it is important to meet needs of today’s female patients and improve overall quality of care. The goals are to deliver a comprehensive cardiac preventive program, and empower women to take their health to heart.

This is a personalized risk assessment and management program which incorporates an initial assessment, diagnostic testing, ongoing follow-up and supportive management in working with gynecologists and primary care physicians.

Specific medical recommendations and goals, including cholesterol/lipid targets, diet and exercise programs are outlined or prescribed as needed or requested.

Baseline assessments are the first step in the diagnostic and Preventive planning process for overall cardiac health in individual. These comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessments include the following:

  • Baseline lab work as part of the evaluation includes: metabolic panel, lipid profile, thyroid function tests, vitamin D level.
  • Cardiac Wellness Nurse - Initial interview and review of prescreening information, nutritional diary, activity exercise profile, and other general medical concerns and questions to be addressed.
  • Cardiology Consultation - An individualized cardiovascular consultation with cardiologist and based on this assessment, cholesterol/lipid management goals and recommendations, blood pressure management suggestions, diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications will be comprehensively outlined, as well as follow-up as needed including subsequent cardiovascular testing or imaging if indicated.
  • Optional dietitian focused assessment/referral can follow as needed or requested.
  • Optional exercise prescription, fitness assessment, and recommendations also available with cardiovascular nurse/medical exercise specialist.

* Most insurances and Medicare accepted.

 

 

PRIMA FIT Supervised Fitness

SEE DETAIL AND PRICING

PRIMA HEART's supervised fitness program offers expertise and supervision by cardiologist, RN's, and exercise specialists in a comprehensive individualized exercise program for individuals with various levels of fitness and health needs. An optimal program will be designed for an individual to include aerobic exercise, core strength development, weight and resistance training, and flexibility with personal preference for long-term success.

Supervised Exercise/Clinical Staff:

  • Cardiologist
  • RN Coordinator
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Medical Exercise Specialist

Program includes:

  • Comprehensive evaluation and assessment by RN
  • Exercise prescription
  • Orientation to equipment
  • Monitoring of vital statistics
  • Education in areas of disease management and prevention

Physician Services: Optional, as requested or needed

  • Diagnostic testing and evaluation...(see our services brochure)
  • Medical clearance can be provided as needed
  • Dietitian and nutritional consultation services

Days and times:
Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays..........1:00-4:00 pm
Tuesdays/Thursdays..........11-1:00 pm

(This is an initial schedule with expanded hours as needed to accommodate volume and requests.)

Monthly Fees:
PRIMA Supervised Fitness with MSC Membership

Includes:
Daily PRIMA FIT supervised hours Monday through Friday
MSC Membership with full use of facilities and all group fitness classes Mon - Sun.
PRIMA FIT services can be renewed on a monthly basis

 

 

Athletic Screenings

PRIMA HEART's focus is on early disease detection, assessment of cardiovascular risk, and preventive strategies. Our athletic screenings are for athletes, high school, college, and for any other adult engaging in high performance training or sports. Our goal is to promote the well-being of athletes by providing sports physicals and screenings with cardiac testing for all athletes potentially at risk, and students participating in interscholastic athletics or associated activities to insure health and avoidance of risk while playing sports. These tests focus on detection of some of the heart problems that can lead to sudden death.

Sudden death in the athlete is most commonly due to congenital heart disease or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but occasionally also due to anomalous or diseased coronary arteries. Usually the athlete is male, has been involved in a variety of sports and is at the high school or collegiate level or maybe an older athlete. Unfortunately, there are usually no preceding symptoms. These problems are rare, and may easily be missed on a routine physical exam. The other potential problems in men and women can be arrhythmias associated with electrical conduction disorders.

These tests are all focused on detection of disease. As these are screening studies, they are not the full comprehensive studies we perform when we assess someone with known or suspect disease or symptoms. If abnormalities are detected on these screenings, further follow-up with a physician and possible follow-up complete testing may subsequently need to be done.

These screenings would include one or more of the following tests:

  • Cardiovascular risk assessment screen
  • EKG
  • Screening Echocardiogram
  • Treadmill test, if indicated
  • Cholesterol screening may be offered at a small additional cost.
  • Arrhythmia monitoring if needed

Please note that this screening is not a substitute for a required sports physical, or for a complete cardiac evaluation if you or your doctor have a concern about a heart problem.

 

 

PRIMA Weight Management Program

"Oia" - The Mediterranean Diet

Creating a weight loss lifestyle integrates healthy diet, long term and daily activity with as much exercise as optimal for an individual. A personalized program will be individualized, based on factors of one’s age, body habits, current weight status and profile, current activity level and physical limitations, as well as clinical health elements and needs.

With respect to exercise, a program will be designed for an individual to include aerobic exercise, core strength development, weight and resistance training, flexibility with personal preference for enjoyment and long-term success.

Regarding diet and nutrition, after assessment of current diet profile, the focus includes not only calorie restriction, portion management, lifestyle modifications, but in particular selection of health food choices or diet specific to one’s needs. For example, for an individual who is overweight, has metabolic syndrome, or has lipid abnormalities, development of their diet plan will be focused on addressing their metabolic profile based on clinical evidence based guidelines. PRIMA HEART promotes and provides the Mediterranean Diet which has a broad clinical and scientific base of evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction and health benefits.

The key element to success is motivation and continued guidance and support with the health and wellness professionals. We offer two programs, one which is individualized and medically supervised and one which is group and non-medically supervised.

 

 

Individualized Weight Management Program

The PRIMA HEART Weight Management Program is an eight week program designed to provide an medically managed individualized weight and exercise program to promote your goal of a healthy weight and lifestyle. A personalized program will be individualized, based on factors of one’ age, body habitus, current weight status and profile, current activity level and physical limitations, as well as clinical health elements and needs. After assessment of current diet profile, the focus includes not only calorie restriction, portion management, lifestyle modifications, but in particular selection of health food choices or diet specific to one’s needs.

The program includes:

  • One-on-one evaluation with an RN who has specialized in fitness and weight management. This one hour evaluation includes medical history review, current lab review, and fitness screening.
  • Laboratory tests with Hunter Laboratories will be required. The cash price for these labs is $80.
  • A visit with the physician to review the history and evaluation prior to the start of the program. If necessary, further screening or testing will be ordered by physician, which can be billed to insurance.
  • Treadmill test will be performed prior to clearance for exercise and exercise prescription(with cardiologist)
  • Consultation with dietitian to evaluate current diet/nutrition history and recommend modifications necessary.
  • Weekly meeting with nurse/trainer to review exercise prescription, goals, and monitor vitals.
  • Bimonthly check in with the dietitian to go over the nutritional prescription and modifications.
  • Measurements will be obtained at week four and at the end of the program by the nurse/trainer.
  • Orientation to equipment with membership to MSC.
  • If there are clinical concerns or at request of the individual, formal consultation with the cardiologist and needed diagnostic testing can be obtained. These services can be billed to insurance.

Cost:
Variable dependent upon additional services.
Program is renewable monthly and includes membership to the Monterey Sports Center.
Lab work additional.

 

 

Group Weight Management Program (Non-Medical)

The PRIMA HEART Weight Management Program is designed to provide an individualized weight and exercise program to promote the goals of a healthy weight, diet, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk reduction. A personalized program will be individualized, based on factors of one's age, body habitus, current weight status and profile, current activity level and physical limitations, as well as clinical health elements and needs. After assessment of current diet profile, the focus includes not only calorie restriction, portion management, lifestyle modifications, but in particular selection of healthy food choices or diet specific to one’s needs.

The program includes:

  • One-on-one evaluation with an RN who has specialized in fitness and weight management. This one hour evaluation includes medical history review, lab review, fitness profile/prescription.
  • When medical history dictates, our cardiologist or your personal physician must provide a medical clearance and possibly will order additional diagnostic testing prior to starting the program. This consultation and diagnostic testing will be an additional charge that can be billed to your insurance.
  • Consultation with dietitian to evaluate current diet/nutrition history and recommend modifications necessary.
  • Weekly meeting with nurse/trainer to review exercise prescription, goals, and monitor vitals.
  • Bimonthly check in with the dietitian to go over the nutritional prescription and modifications.
  • Measurements will be obtained at week four and at the end of the program by the nurse/trainer.
  • Lifestyle integrates healthy diet, long term and daily activity with as much exercise as optimal for an individual.
  • Eight week group meetings with physician, nurse, dietitian and behavioral counselor.
  • Orientation to equipment with membership to MSC.

Cost:
Variable dependent upon additional services.
Program is renewable monthly and includes membership to the Monterey Sports Center .
Lab work additional.

 

 

Executive Cardiovascular Health Assessments

The Preventive Cardiovascular Center and Institute offers a preventive health program for individuals and companies locally and from outside the region. This cardiovascular health evaluation involves consultation with a cardiologist and other members of the PRIMA HEART team with specific recommendations.

A several day program includes a comprehensive history and cardiovascular exam, diagnostic testing and imaging, and guidance by our team of specialists, with final review and recommendations with the PRIMA HEART team.

  • Cardiovascular RN, Medical Exercise specialist/Trainer for initial review of medical, diet, and exercise profile.
  • Consultation with Cardiologist
  • Dietitian and nutrition evaluation
  • Consultation as needed or requested with internist
  • Optional orthopedic and physical medicine evaluation
  • Labs to include: metabolic panel, lipid profile, thyroid function testing, vitamin D and other testing as needed.
  • EKG (Electrocardiogram)
  • Treadmill stress testing with option for stress echo cardiographic imaging

Most insurances and Medicare accepted for some services if clinically indicated.

 

 

Business Health Plan and Worksite Wellness Services

PRIMA HEART offers several options to businesses or larger companies who want to incorporate cardiac wellness and cardiovascular preventive programs for their employees, managers, or executives. This can range from screenings to limited cardiac risk assessments, to more comprehensive evaluation, diagnostic testing as needed, cholesterol, diet, and fitness counseling. These can be individual or for groups. For higher risk professions as fire, police, EMS, utility workers, cardiovascular screenings and treadmill testing is indicated.

Educational lectures can be provided in the areas of cardiac risk and health, exercise and fitness, cholesterol/lipid education, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, smoking cessation, women’s heart disease, diet, exercise, and cardiovascular testing and imaging.