Your risk of heart disease can be measured by routine tests from a primary care physician. Make sure these are five easy diagnoses on your heart checklist.
Am I at risk of heart disease? It is a question that everyone should ask themselves, regardless of age, weight, race, or gender.
The best way to find out: a standard diagnostic test that gives doctors a detailed look at a patient’s internal and external factors.
The American Heart Association recommends the following important tests to keep tabs on your cardiovascular health.
Risk factors for heart disease
1. Blood pressure
Blood pressure is one of the most important tests because high blood pressure is usually symptomatic - so it can't be detected without measurement. High blood pressure greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Genetics, for some, provide a reason for testing: After age 65, women are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure than men. Similarly, black men of all ages are at greater risk.
If your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg - a level considered normal - be sure to measure it at least once every two years from the age of 20. If your blood pressure is high, your doctor may want to test it more often.
High blood pressure can be controlled by lifestyle changes or medication.
2. Fasting lipoprotein profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
It would help if you had a fasting profile of lipoprotein taken every four to six years from 20 years. This multi-faceted blood test measures cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
You may need to be tested more often if your healthcare provider determines that you are at increased risk for heart disease or stroke. Older women tend to have higher triglyceride levels than men.
Like high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides can often be controlled with lifestyle changes or medications.
3. Bodyweight
From the age of 20, you may be asked by your health care provider about your waist size or body weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI) during a regular visit. These measurements can determine whether you have a healthy weight and shape.
About two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese - which puts them at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems.
4. Blood glucose
From the age of 45, glucose levels in your blood should be checked at least every three years. High glucose levels put you at greater risk of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
Left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious medical problems, including heart disease and stroke. If you are overweight and at least have an additional risk of heart diseases, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend a blood glucose test even if you are not yet 45 years old (or more often than not once in three years).
5. Smoking, exercise, diet
Smoking is one of the most important causes of premature death in the United States. If you smoke, tell your doctor at your next health visit. Your doctor may suggest ways to help you quit.
Discuss your diet and level of physical activity, too. If there is room for improvement in your diet (for example, too much sugar) and you can stop to get more exercise, ask your doctor for advice.
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