Heart disease is one of the leading health concerns among adults; however, many risk factors can be managed if preventive action is taken early. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease, and diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excess alcohol consumption.
The positive thing is that you don’t need to wait till that time when you start feeling the symptoms to start taking care of your heart. Several of the risk factors for heart disease are “silent” for years. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and prediabetes may not have any symptoms at all. Screenings can detect these issues at an early stage when they can be effectively addressed in lifestyle change as well as with treatment.
1. High Blood Pressure
Once of the most prevalent and perilous dangers for heart disease is high blood pressure. It forces extra strain on the walls of the arteries and causes the heart to have to work harder. Its impact can build up and lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and heart failure over time.
The screening is easy, a simple blood pressure reading. Adults should be familiar with their numbers and get them reviewed routinely, particularly if they have history, are overweight, smoke, have diabetes or are under chronic stress. It can be easily managed with lifestyle changes, including lowering sodium levels, getting more exercise, getting sufficient sleep, restricting alcohol, and taking prescribed medications.
2. High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood. You do need cholesterol in your body, but when you have too much LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” it can accumulate inside your arteries and the risk of blockages in the blood flow increases.
This screening typically involves a lipid panel, a blood test that screens for lipids, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Based on the results, your provider can determine your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and determine whether lifestyle changes, medications or more frequent surveillance is necessary. The USPSTF recommends statin treatment for adults aged 40 to 75 years who have at least one cardiovascular risk factor (dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, or smoking) and an increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Smoking/Nicotine Use
When people smoke, it harms blood vessels, can increase blood pressure, can decrease the amount of oxygen in the blood, and can increase the risk of blood clots. Additionally, vaping and nicotine consumption can have an impact on cardiovascular health. One of the most important things a person can do to help save the heart is to quit.
Your provider may offer you screening as part of your medical history when he or she asks about cigarettes, vaping, use of nicotine products, secondhand smoke, and your motivation to quit. Since there is some support involved, it can take the form of counseling, nicotine replacement, medication, and follow-up.
4. Diabetes and High Blood Sugar
Elevated amounts of blood sugar could harm blood vessels and nerves that serve the heart. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity also tend to co-occur with diabetes and thus increase overall risk.
Screening can involve having a fasting glucose test, or having a more comprehensive A1C test showing average glucose levels about three months prior to testing. Figuring out blood sugar control is among the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” steps to a healthier cardiovascular system.
5. Weight, Diet and Physical Inactivity
Overweight, unhealthy diets and a sedentary lifestyle boost high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation and the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Perfection is not the object of the goal. Simple increases and decreases such as increasing physical activity, focusing on more vegetables, including more fiber and limiting sugary drinks can assist with heart health.
BMI, waist measurement, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes testing are all helpful screening measures. Your provider might also check sleep patterns, stress levels, alcohol use and activity level.
Final Thoughts
The first step in preventing heart disease is learning your numbers. The evaluation can identify risks when symptoms aren’t obvious by checking blood pressure, cholesterol level, blood sugar level, weight and discussing lifestyle. The sooner these risks are known, the sooner a player can take measures to safeguard his heart.
For heart health screenings, preventive checkups, cholesterol testing, blood pressure evaluation, or help understanding your cardiovascular risk, email appointment@familydiagnosticclinic.com and our team will get you scheduled.
