Nikki’s Notes – Exploring HCCH, One Note at a Time

It’s February—the month that swoops in, all short and sweet, like a tiny break between the marathon months of January and March. (Seriously, why do those months feel like they last forever?)

When I think of February, two things come to mind: the color red and love. And naturally, that leads me to everyone’s favorite team—you know, the one making its third consecutive Super Bowl appearance this year! (Cue the victory confetti.)

But let’s be real—February isn’t just about football, beautiful rose bouquets and heart-shaped chocolates. It’s also about hearts in a much more literal sense. No, I’m not talking about all the love you’re out there spreading (which I’m sure is top-tier). I mean your actual, hard-working, life-sustaining heart—the MVP of your circulatory system.

Last year, I decided to show my heart some love by taking advantage of the CT cardiac scan we offer every February. Here’s the play-by-play:

1️. You start with an upper-body disrobing (don’t worry, it’s all very professional), followed by slipping into a gown the flattering shade of hospital blue.

2️. A friendly radiologic technologist places four very sticky electrodes on your chest. (Consider this your warning—these things could probably survive a hurricane.)

3️. You lie down, get slid into the gantry (fancy term for the CT machine), and follow some robotic breathing instructions. Basically, you’ll hold your breath for 10 seconds—three times.

4️. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes. That’s it! No stress, no sweat—just some deep breaths and a little machine magic.

And here’s the best part: if you have a patient portal, you’ll get your results by the end of the day! The radiologist reads them, sends them your way, and also forwards them to your provider. No waiting around, biting your nails, wondering what’s up with your ticker.

Why does this test matter? Because it can detect blockages, plaque buildup, structural issues, and even how well your heart is pumping. And I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve heard of at least three instances where this test literally saved someone’s life.

And if something concerning does pop up? No worries—we’ve got five amazing cardiologists who visit our outpatient specialty clinic every month. That means you can get the care you need without ever leaving your community.

So, the theme of the month? Red. Red for love. Red for heart health. And, of course, RED FOR CHIEFS!

Enjoy the shortest (and arguably best) month of the year!