Where is the screening available?

CardiAction screening is available across New Zealand in select pharmacies with additional locations becoming available constantly. Visit our Locations page to see the most up-to-date options.

How much does the screening cost?

Screening is available through partner locations that determine the price they charge for an appointment. Sometimes this varies depending on how long they offer for appointments, the staff used and whether there is a promotion in place. Prices generally start from $79.

How long does it take?

20-30 minutes. If you’ve set up your CardiAction account in advance then it is faster on the day.

How do I book?

Appointments are booked directly with the business that provides the service. Most of these have got online booking links available here, however these locations will also take appointments over the phones and often also allow walk-ins. We encourage you to contact the location before turning up without booking just in case their Screener is not working that day.

Who are the Screeners? What training do they have?

All locations offering the service can decide who will be their ‘Screener’ and only these staff members can perform the service. They undertake medical training with our Medical Director and a days operating training to know what steps to follow.

It’s important to understand that this testing is performed by a screener who simply follows the steps determined by the CardiAction Medical Board. They do not make any medical decisions as the results are analysed by the CardiAction platform. The Screener will not be making any medical diagnosis and cannot discuss any pre-existing health conditions you may have, however if you display an elevated risk in line with the CardiAction thresholds you will be encouraged to visit your GP. All results are peer reviewed by the CardiAction Medical Board.

How does the Pulse Wave Analysis test work?

PWA machines analyse the shape of the pulse wave generated by the heart. The wave is made up of the wave coming out from the heart and the reflected wave back from the peripheral blood vessels. The greater the reflected wave the stiffer the blood vessels are and the more likely you are to be at increased risk.

In your appointment we will be using the Uscom BP+ a scientifically validated TGA/FDA approved pulse wave analyser (PWA). The BP+ machine is able to analyse your;

• Central (aortic) heart pressure
• Peripheral (arteries) resistance
• Cardiac efficiency (SEVR)
• Abnormalities in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

The results of your test are then uploaded to your CardiAction profile and explained by your screener. The objective of a pulse wave analysis test using the BP+ machine is to identify increased peripheral resistance expressed as increased augmentation pressure, a result of inflammation in the peripheral arterial system. This inflammation can occur at all different structures within the arterial wall.

To understand more about this technology please watch this video from Uscom BP+ - https://vimeo.com/190987469

What will my Doctor do?

You will be encouraged to see your doctor in case you show signs of hypertension (increased blood pressure) above a certain threshold that we consider to be normal and safe. As a CardiAction screening only identifies potential risk and provides lifestyle recommendations your doctor will be able to provide a more thorough diagnosis and potential medication and/or further testing.

Our screening is not there to replace doctors – rather it’s a screening to pick up early signs of cardiovascular disease that you otherwise may not have known you have. If your doctor has any questions at all about the testing then we encourage them to contact us our Medical Director who is a NZ registered GP.

Am I required to do anything to prepare for the test?

If you are able to download and sign-up to the CardiAction App in advance then that is a great help. Instructions of how to do this can be found here.

We also ask that you avoid caffeine and exercise 2hrs before your appointment as both of these can impact your results. If you are well hydrated and relaxed that is a bonus

Does a PWA test hurt?

The PWA test is firmly non-invasive and pain free. It is very similar to having your Blood Pressure taken whereby a cuff is attached to your arm and inflated. The test is most accurate if you are relaxed so we aim to create a stress-free environment during your appointment.

How accurate is the test?

The PWA is very accurate as it has been calibrated using an invasive direct ‘inside the aorta blood vessel‘ measurement. In-depth scientific info can be seen on Testimonials page. Validation information about the BP+ can be seen on their website—https://www.uscom.com.au/products/bp/evidence/

I’m on medication, will this effect the test?

If you are on heart medication, we will be able to see if it is working to reduce any inflammation you have built up in your arteries. Please inform us at the start of your appointment.

What kind of lifestyle suggestions will you make?

The suggestions are very simple to achieve and completely tailored depending on what your results are as well as considering factors like age/weight. This will combine recommendations such as exercise, diet and supplements (e.g. Omega-3 supplement).

How long until I need a follow-up appointment?

Follow-up times vary for each customer depending on your results and the guidance we have given. Generally, we advise you to return around 3-6 months after your first appointment if there is room for improvement, but your Screener will discuss this with you when they go through your results. A follow-up appointment is great to chart your improvement and see tangible benefits (or encouragement to work a bit harder…)! We have designed CardiAction specifically so that you are able to directly track your PWA results.

If your results look good then we recommend having a screening once a year to ensure that your heart and artery health is being maintained - think of it like a yearly Body WOF!

Can you offer custom screening packages for example at my work or for a community group?

Yes, we certainly can! As we are on a mission to offer heart screenings to as many people as possible, we are more than happy to come to you and create tailor packages to suit the needs of your business or community group. Checkout our Community Screenings or For Employers sections of the website.

I don’t want to download an app—can I still have a heart screening?

Yes you certainly can! We designed Cardiaction to be able to give as much information as possible to our customers and to avoid having reports that can get lost. If you’d prefer not to go digital then we can give you a printed report instead which identifies all the same components. If you decide after your appointment that you want to join Cardiaction then we are able to upload your results at a later date for you.