INDIANAPOLIS -
The focus of this month's Checkup 13 is the early detection of heart disease.
Rick Torbeck of Brownsburg has a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation in every step.
"Just feel very, very lucky. Very fortunate," Torbeck said.
He had high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease, but had no pain, no symptoms. Still, the 55-year-old husband and father of four decided to take his health into his own hands and scheduled a heart scan at St. Vincent Hospital.
"Went in, it's a very simple test. I didn't get a very simple answer, but I was lucky," Torbeck said.
A heart scan shows doctors calcium build-up in the arteries. A calcium score of 400 indicates moderate to severe build-up. Torbeck was shocked to hear his score was nearly 1,800.
"When I did the stress test, they immediately said they wanted to do the cath that day, so I had it that day and they said 'We're gonna do the surgery the next morning'," Torbeck said.
"Mr. Torbeck had blockages of all his major coronary arteries. Two were 90 percent blocked, one was completely blocked. Miraculously, he did not have a heart attack, but he was close," said cardiologist Dr. Kirk Parr.
Two days later, Torbeck had quadruple bypass surgery and is now on the road to recovery.
The quick and painless test is recommended for adults in their 40s to 60s with more than one heart disease risk factor, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history. It's also affordable.
"$49. Not inconsequential, but a very good buy for many people and a very good buy for Rick Torbeck," Dr. Parr said.
"I truly believe it saved my life," Torbeck said.
The St. Vincent HeartScan locations are in Anderson, Carmel, Danville, Fishers, Greenfield, Indianapolis, Kokomo and North Vernon.
To learn more about heart scans or schedule an appointment, you can call 1-866-UCHECK13. Phone lines will be open until 7 p.m. Monday night (February 13). You can also request to register online through midnight Monday.
