Preparing for your CardiAction Screening
Thank-you for booking a CardiAction Heart & Artery Screening.
Here’s what to expect at your appointment:
What is a screening?
A screening is a health check designed to identify whether you may be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or already have early signs, often before symptoms appear. It is not a diagnostic test, but rather an early-warning tool that can guide you to seek further care with your GP or specialist if needed.
What to expect during your appointment
You’ll have a Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA) test, which feels very similar to having your blood pressure taken with a cuff around your arm. CardiAction uses the Uscom BP+ Device which you can learn about here.
Unlike a standard blood pressure check, the PWA test gives much more detailed insights into:
Central (aortic) blood pressure
Arterial resistance (linked to inflammation)
Cardiac efficiency
The test is non-invasive, pain-free, and takes around 4 minutes. To ensure accuracy, you’ll have at least three readings. Some individuals with more sensitive skin may find the cuff pressure more uncomfortable – please make your Screener aware if you experience any pain. General feedback is that while the PWA cuff is tighter than a typical blood pressure test, it’s not painful.
Who will carry out your screening?
Your appointment will be with a trained Screener from Health Screening NZ. Screeners are not doctors or nurses but are specially trained to run the CardiAction protocol. Results are provided to you instantly and your Screener will explain what your real-time risk is. You also receive an email summary containing your results. If your screening shows an elevated risk, you’ll be encouraged to follow up with your GP. The CardiAction platform is created and managed by registered doctors, however your Screener will not be able to discuss any existing medications or treatments with you.
Important to know
If you already have cardiovascular disease or are experiencing current symptoms, you should see your GP rather than book a CardiAction screening.
If you’re on medication (e.g. for blood pressure), the test may help show whether your treatment is effectively managing your risk.
CardiAction is best suited to those who are unaware of their current risk and want an accessible way to check their heart and artery health.
What happens after?
You’ll walk away with:
Immediate results (explained by your Screener and emailed instantly).
Personalised lifestyle advice on nutrition, exercise, and supplement support to help reduce your CVD risk. Lifestyle factors can account for up to 80% of CVD risk* and it’s possibly to dramatically improve your risk by making simply changes.
It’s possible to improve your CVD risk and you’ll be encouraged to return for a rescreening to ensure your risk is being well managed.
Why it matters?
Cardiovascular disease is New Zealand’s biggest killer** – but it’s also highly treatable and manageable if detected early. CardiAction makes it simple and accessible to take control of your heart health.
For more details, visit our full FAQ page before your appointment.
Need help?
Contact info@healthscreening.nz if you need any help or further information.