It’s important to get health screenings, but what can a heart screening tell you? Find out what you’ll learn from a heart checkup.
Managing the factors that increase your likelihood of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) is essential for reducing your risk. While some risk factors are obvious (e.g.: smoking), you need to get a health screening for others (like cholesterol).
By getting regular heart screenings, you can identify which factors you need to tackle first to improve your health. It’s routine to measure some factors, such as weight and blood pressure, during routine medical appointments. However, the regularity of some screening tests will depend on your age and level of risk.
For example, if you have a cardiovascular condition, you will typically require more frequent screenings than healthier individuals. Still, you don’t need to be diagnosed with a condition to undergo more stringent screening; your doctor will also consider other factors like family history.
Which Screening Tests Are Necessary?
If you’re looking to improve and/or maintain your heart health, there are certain things you need to measure. To effectively check on your heart health, you need to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, blood sugar, and lifestyle habits.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke, so it’s important that you check it regularly. Moreover, hypertension has virtually no symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is through regular checkups.
You should also check your cholesterol every four to six years after you turn 20. If you have high cholesterol, you can control it through lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.
Another factor that your doctor considers is your body mass index (BMI), as obesity will increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and more. You should also check your blood glucose (blood sugar), as high levels can lead to insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Finally, you should discuss your lifestyle habits with your doctor as smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diets can increase your risk for CAD and more.
The Outlook
It’s important that you get these health screenings to identify your risk factors and work to improve them. How often should you check them? Follow these guidelines:
Blood Pressure: at least once a year- Cholesterol: at least every 4 to 6 years
- Weight/BMI: every regular healthcare visit
- Waist Circumference: as necessary if BMI is equal to or greater than 25 kg/m2
- Blood Glucose: at least every 3 years
- Lifestyle Habits: each regular healthcare visit
By managing these risk factors, you can be on top of your health before it’s too late. In addition, you can give your health an extra boost by taking supplements like HeartBeet Complete.
Its ingredients are effective at promoting circulation, blood pressure, energy levels, and more. If you’re ready to give your heart the support it deserves, then get these heart-health screenings and take HeartBeet Complete.
