Most Important Heart Health Screenings

One of the most important ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases is to detect risk factors at an early stage and subsequently, manage these factors— high blood pressure, high blood glucose or high total cholesterol. It is vital to know the risk factors. One of the best ways to analyse it is through screening tests done during regular visits to the doctor. Thus, one can treat the problem with changes in lifestyle or pharmacotherapies, before it leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Following are listed some of the most important heart health screenings.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is one of the most important screenings when it comes to heart health, especially because high blood pressure shows no symptoms and is not easily detected without being measured. If a person has high blood pressure, it highly increases the risk of a heart disease and a stroke. If the blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, it is advisable to go to a doctor and get it checked, at least once in every two years, starting at the age of twenty. If one’s blood pressure is higher than normal, the doctor may want to check it more often than otherwise. High blood pressure can be controlled by a change in lifestyle or even with a regular dose of medicines. After the age of sixty-five, women are more likely to face the problem of high blood pressure than men, however, African–American adults of all ages have a higher-than-average risk.

Body Weight

Screening the body weight is also important for a healthy heart. So, every time you go to your doctor, make sure to get yourself weighed in order to calculate your body mass index (BMI) and measure your waist circumference. These measurements tell you if you have a healthy weight. You may begin with these screenings at the age of twenty. As per researchers, about two in every three adults are overweight or obese. Obesity increases blood pressure, triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, and can thus induce diabetes. These risk factors may result in an increased risk of having a heart disease and stroke.

Also, discuss your diet and regular physical activities. In case one smokes, the doctor may suggest ways to quit the habit. If there is some room for improvement in your diet and the daily physical activity levels, the doctor may provide some very helpful suggestions that would help keep a healthy heart, mind and body.

Blood Glucose

Blood glucose is a factor that must always be kept in check. Especially, starting at the age of forty-five, one should have the blood glucose level checked at least once in every three years. Since high blood glucose levels put one at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, that can lead to heart disease and stroke, keep a check on it. If you are overweight and also have at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, your doctor may recommend a blood glucose test even if you are not yet 45.

These are the most important heart health screenings one must get done to prevent any unwanted diseases and thus, keep a healthy heart.

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