Ready to take care of your heart? Learn about the process of screening for cardiovascular disease, what you should know, and more.
When it comes to cardiovascular disease (or coronary artery disease), it’s important that you manage health behaviors and risk factors. Knowing what risk factors you have will help you take control of your health and start making necessary changes now. While some factors are generally measured at your doctor’s visit (body weight, blood pressure), others may require more frequent testing.
Key Screening Tests
Blood Pressure
Measuring your blood pressure is essential as high blood pressure doesn’t usually cause symptoms and increases your heart disease risk. Starting at age 20, get your blood pressure checked at least once every two years. However, if you have elevated levels or hypertension, you will have to check them more often.
Cholesterol Profile
Known as a fasting lipoprotein profile, you should take the test to measure your cholesterol every four to six years. Moreover, if you have an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol, you may need more frequent testing. As with blood pressure, changing your habits or medication can help control your levels.
Body Weight
During your routine visit, your provider may calculate your body mass index (BMI) by getting your weight or waist circumference. It’s important that you are at healthy body weight and composition as being overweight is a heart disease factor. Furthermore, obesity can increase the risk of stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and other health conditions.
Blood Glucose
Your healthcare provider may also measure your blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels, as high levels may cause insulin resistance. As a result, you can develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and more. Your doctor may recommend a blood glucose test if you are overweight and have at least one other risk factor.
Lifestyle Habits
Your doctor may discuss your lifestyle habits and ask if you smoke, your physical activity levels, and your usual diet. Smoking, low physical activity levels, and unhealthy diets can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Talk to your doctor about things you can change in your daily life to improve your heart health.
The Outlook
When it comes to screening for cardiovascular disease, your doctor may go over these different areas and order necessary tests. Based on your test results and current lifestyle, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan for your individual needs.
It’s important that you start taking care of your health now before you develop any heart disease. You can do so by exercising regularly, eating healthily, and taking supplements like L-arginine Plus.
Its ingredients help promote circulation and healthy blood pressure levels in a safe and effective way. Take control of your heart health and take L-arginine Plus as part of a daily heart health plan.