Cardiovascular Vascular Health
The key to preventing cardiovascular disease, also called coronary artery disease (CAD), is managing your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol, or high blood glucose. But how do you know which risk factors you have? The best way to find out is through screening tests during regular doctor visits. Regular cardiovascular screening is important because it helps you detect risk factors in their earliest stages.
Few of us have ideal risk levels on all screening tests. However, if you do have test results that are less than ideal, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop a serious cardiovascular disease. On the contrary, it means you’re in a position to begin positively changing your health. For many patients, screening results can serve as a wake-up call. Most regular cardiovascular screening tests should begin at age 20. The frequency of follow-up will depend on your level of risk. You will probably 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, stroke, or other cardiovascular events. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a condition, your doctor may want more stringent screening if you already have risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Screening Tests For Optimal Cardiovascular Health
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is one of the most important screenings because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms so it can’t be detected without being measured. High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. If your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg, be sure to get it checked at least once every two years, starting at age 20. If your blood pressure is higher, your doctor may want to check it more often. High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes or medication. After age 65, women have a higher risk of high blood pressure than men.
Fasting Lipoprotein Profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
You should have a fasting lipoprotein profile taken every four to six years, starting at age 20. This is a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. You may need to be tested more frequently if your healthcare provider determines that you’re at an increased risk for heart disease or stroke. Older women tend to have higher triglyceride levels than men. Like high blood pressure, often cholesterol and triglycerides can be controlled through lifestyle changes or medication.
Body Weight
Starting around 20 years old, your healthcare provider may ask for your waist circumference or use your body weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI) during your routine visit. These measurements may tell you and your physician whether you’re at healthy body weight and composition. About two of every three adults are now overweight or obese. Being obese puts you at higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more.
Blood Glucose
Starting at age 45, you should have your blood glucose level checked at least every three years. High blood glucose levels put you at greater risk of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to many serious medical problems including heart disease and stroke. If you’re overweight AND you have at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, your doctor may recommend a blood glucose test even if you’re not yet 45, or more frequently than every 3 years.
Smoking, Physical Activity, Diet
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death. If you smoke, tell your doctor at your visit. If you smoke, your doctor can suggest approaches to help quit. Also, discuss your diet and physical activity habits. If there’s room for improvement in your diet and daily physical activity levels, ask your doctor to provide helpful suggestions.
Risk Factors
Major Risk Factors That Can Be Modified, Treated, or Controlled
- About 80 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older.
- Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do, and they have attacks earlier in life.
- Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves.
Major Risk Factors That Can’t Be Changed
- Smokers’ risk of developing coronary heart disease is 2-4 times that of nonsmokers.
- As LDL rises, so does the risk of coronary heart disease.
- High blood pressure increases the heart’s workload, causing the arteries to thicken and become stiffer.
- An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
- People who have excess body fat — especially at the waist — are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke.
- Diabetes increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Other Factors To Consider
- Individual stress response may be a contributing factor.
- If you drink, limit your alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, and other diseases.
- A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease.
