Heart disease awareness: This is why you should get screened at any age

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and fatally affects more people cancerAccidents, strokes, and even Covid-19. My heart disease It can also act silently, causing you to remain unaware of its presence until you experience an experience heart attackHeart failure or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). That’s why regular screening is essential.

In honor of American Heart Month, and just in time for Valentine’s Day, now is a great time to schedule a physical exam so your doctor can examine you. There are also higher-risk symptoms that may require more frequent screening and lifestyle changes you can make to prevent heart disease.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a general term used for Describe several conditions That affect the heart, including but not limited to arrhythmia, valve disease, and congenital heart defects. The most common heart disease is coronary artery disease, which weakens blood vessels, obstructs blood flow to the heart, and can increase the risk of stroke. heart attack.

Often, heart disease is not diagnosed until symptoms of a heart attack or heart failure appear. Regular heart disease screenings are essential to help you cope with many health concerns.

What causes heart disease?

Heart disease can occur at any age. in case Congenital heart diseaseIt can occur at birth. Other times, it develops throughout our lives, e.g Coronary heart diseaseIt progresses slowly as plaque accumulates. The cause of heart disease varies depending on the type of condition. Let’s focus on coronary heart disease because it is the most common type that people suffer from.

the Causes of coronary heart disease These are genetics, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Basically, the heart has to work harder because things get in its way, putting more stress on the organ than necessary. Your heart can only function for so long under excessive stress.

The CDC says roughly so Half of Americans You have at least one of the following three risk factors for heart disease: High blood pressureHigh blood cholesterol and smoking. That’s why you should get checkups regularly. Now, let’s dive into when you should.

Tip: This is done before symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pressure, or weakness appear.

When should you get a heart disease checkup?

the American Heart Association She recommends that routine checkups begin at age 20. This may seem early, but heart disease can affect younger people, too. By starting regular checkups at age 20, your doctor can establish a baseline for your body and monitor changes as you age. At this stage, even if you are not considered high risk (see below), it is important that you do so a screen Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose level, and lifestyle factors through family history, physical examinations, and blood tests. Routine screenings should be performed for those at lower risk As follows:

• blood pressure: If your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg, the test should be done every year, or more often if your blood pressure is higher.
• Cholesterol: Normal-risk adults should have their cholesterol tested every four to six years. People who are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke may need tests more often.
• Blood glucose level: This must be done at least every three years starting at age 45.
• Lifestyle factors: With each doctor’s visit, factors such as physical activity, diet and smoking will be discussed.

High-risk factors require more frequent monitoring

Regular examinations for all patients should begin at the age of 20 and continue at intervals. However, if you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease, you’ll likely be screened more frequently. Risk factors These include high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, family history of heart disease, and your age and lifestyle.

If you’re at higher risk, additional cardiovascular tests may be necessary, especially if you have symptoms associated with heart disease, such as an irregular heartbeat.

Additional tests can include:

• Electrocardiogram: To measure your heart rhythm and electrical activity, you may need an electrocardiogram (ECG) or electrocardiogram (ECG). It is a painless and non-invasive way to monitor heart function. All it takes is a few electrodes stuck to your chest. Your doctor may ask you to wear a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device called a Holter monitor for a few days to get a fuller picture.
• Echocardiogram: There are times when your doctor may want to examine the structure of your heart. An echocardiogram involves an ultrasound machine to evaluate how your heart is pumping.
• Stress tests: Cardiac stress tests are basically electrocardiograms with exercise. Your doctor will attach electrodes to your chest, and you will either walk, run, or pedal while your doctor monitors your heart’s response. You may also be asked to breathe into a tube for a few minutes.
• CT angiography of the heart: This non-invasive test uses X-rays to create a 3D image of your heart. It can help doctors detect the presence and extent of narrowing in the coronary arteries and blood vessels.
• Peripheral angiography: X-rays and contrast dye help your doctor identify narrow or blocked areas in the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet or arms and hands.

Tips to prevent heart disease

Heart disease is serious, but largely preventable and treatable, especially through regular checkups. You have more control over your heart health than you think. Try adding these daily habits to your life Reducing the risk of heart disease.

• Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the main causes of heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
• move: Exercise is the oldest piece of advice In books for a reason. To maintain a healthy heart, aim for 150 minutes of exercise moderate Do weekly exercise, which is only 30 minutes a day for five days.
• Monitor your health at home: There is in the house Heart rate, blood pressure and Glucose monitoring devicesbesides fitness trackers, Which can help you monitor your health between doctor visits.
• Modify your diet: Eat foods that Nourish your body Essential for heart health. As much as you can, avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats. Look for opportunities in your diet to make healthy swaps. Always choose nutrient-dense meals that include vegetables and whole grains.

Bottom line

Don’t just take a “good enough” approach to your health. The heart is one of the body’s most vital organs, and sometimes it is difficult to know when it is sick. That’s why heart health checkups start so early. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two of the most common conditions and, unfortunately, greatly increase the risk of heart disease.

Regular checkups and checkups are some of the best tools to determine your health and help you make changes that can reduce your chances of developing heart disease.