Lower Your Risk of Getting Heart Disease
Did you know that more than 79 million Americans have one or more forms of heart disease, which causes over a third of all deaths in the U.S?
The key to heart disease prevention is managing your risk factors and early detection through regular screenings. While certain genetic or inherited factors such as age, gender and family history cannot be changed, adopting a healthy lifestyle can dramatically
decrease your risk of getting heart disease.
Most regular heart screenings should begin at age 20 and include:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Weight/body mass index (BMI)
- Waist circumference
- Blood glucose test (this test should be done starting at age 45)
- Physical activity, diet and tobacco use evaluation
You may require additional and more frequent testing if you’ve been diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation, or if you have a history of heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may also request more stringent
screening if you already have risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.