Regular screenings play a vital role in the early detection and management of heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends four basic screening tests for heart disease. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force specifically advises against testing such as exercise electrocardiography (ECG) in otherwise healthy adults; they found there’s not enough evidence to balance the possible risks with ECG against prevention of cardiovascular disease events. However, by being proactive and getting screenings that are standard to most physicals, you can better understand your heart health and take steps to manage any potential risks.
1. Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke, making regular monitoring essential. Approximately half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and the condition contributes to over 600,000 deaths each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once every year, more often if you are at risk for hypertension (high blood pressure), show any signs of hypertension or have been previously diagnosed with it. The CDC further recommends that children have their blood pressure tested regularly at three years old.
If you’re diagnosed with hypertension, you and your physician will likely discuss lifestyle changes and medication options to help you stay on top of hypertension.
2. Cholesterol Profile (Lipid Panel)
Cholesterol levels offer critical insights into heart health, directly impacting the risk of developing coronary artery disease. High cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries, which can narrow the blood vessels and potentially lead to a heart attack or stroke.
A lipid panel should be conducted starting at age 20 and repeated every five years – more frequently if you have other risk factors such as a family history of high cholesterol or a personal history of heart disease or diabetes. If you are a man between age 45 and 65 or a woman between age 55 and 65, you should be screened every 1-2 years. Once you reach 66 years old, you should be screened yearly.
Your physician can recommend specific lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise or quitting smoking, to help keep your cholesterol levels in check.
3. Blood Glucose Test
Screening for diabetes is also a fundamental part of heart disease prevention since diabetes dramatically increases the risk for heart complications. A blood glucose test should be part of a routine physical examination if you’re 45 or over, or if you’re overweight and have any other cardiovascular risk factors. If you have a higher body mass index or a family history of diabetes, for instance, a blood glucose test matters to detect prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Finding blood sugar issues early can help you and your physician effectively manage them, reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke.
4. Bodyweight, BMI, Waist Circumference
Keeping your body at a healthy weight matters for your heart’s health. When our bodies are too heavy, it can put undue strain on our heart and cause:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Your physician may ask you to measure your waist circumference and use your body weight to determine your body mass index (BMI). This information can help them determine whether you need to lose weight to improve your health and prevent cardiac health issues.