Billings Fire Department and Intermountain Health Stress Importance of Heart Health Screenings

Jason Banfield, paramedic and assistant chief of EMS for the Billings Fire Department, knows firsthand the importance of preventative heart health screening. With a demanding job and a family history of heart disease, Banfield knew the necessity of early detection and proactive health management.

Banfield’s family history is a stark reminder of the risks. “My dad had his first heart attack when he was younger than me, and I don’t have any uncles because they all passed away by age 50 from heart attacks,” he shared.

Beginning at age 45, he sought out options to proactively evaluate and address his risks and was referred to Carine Basmadjian, MD, cardiologist at Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital.  Dr. Basmadjian leads the Prevention and Risk Management Program and advocates for early screening and intervention.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the US,” said Dr. Basmadjian. “Often warning signs can go unnoticed, and it is very important for those who have a family history of heart disease or heart attack, or other risk factors to get screened.”

In addition to other testing, patients like Banfield are able to undergo Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring.  This involves a rapid CT scan that measures the buildup of calcified plaque in the arteries of the heart. This non-invasive test only has to be done every five years and can identify individuals at risk for heart disease before symptoms appear, allowing for timely intervention and management. A recent study by Intermountain Health researchers found that CAC scores are highly effective in predicting the risk of heart attacks and overall mortality in both women and men.

In addition to his family history, Banfield also faced an additional risk factor, his profession. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), face significantly higher health risks due to the nature of their work. These professionals are often exposed to high-stress situations, dangerous environments, and irregular work hours, all of which contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, half of all in-the-line-of-duty deaths among firefighters are the result of a heart attack.

As a leader in the department and because of his personal experience, Banfield has advocated for health and wellness, partnering with Dr. Basmadjian to bring education and information about screening to his fellow first responders.

“It’s super important that we watch our diet, exercise, and mental health but also know our CAC score and other risks,” he said. “All those pieces, and any necessary medications or treatments, can push us towards staying healthy as long as we can and hopefully enjoying a long retirement.”

“By identifying those who may be at high risk before they have any negative health impacts, we are able to manage their risks through lifestyle changes, medication or other less invasive interventions,” said Dr. Basmadjian. “I am proud to work with Jason to reach out to first responders to keep them healthy and allow them to continue to serve our community.”

Intermountain Health encourages individuals, especially those with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, to prioritize their heart health. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or contact the Intermountain Health Prevention and Risk Management Clinic to learn more about your risk and how to mitigate it. For more information, please visit svh.org/heart or call 406-237-5001.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.