The Importance of Regular Heart Screenings
- Posted on: Nov 8 2024
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in most racial groups across the United States. While some cardiovascular conditions are sudden or hard to detect, most forms of heart disease show up on routine screenings. Unfortunately, many people do not get regular heart screenings, increasing their risk of a severe, potentially fatal heart condition.
At Cardiovascular Wellness, we believe in the power of regular heart screenings to detect and manage conditions that may impact your heart’s health. If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten a heart screening, you can learn more about the importance of regular screenings below.
Benefits of Regular Heart Screenings
Some of the key benefits of regular heart screenings include:
- Early Detection of Heart Disease: Heart screenings allow us to catch signs of heart disease early, even before you notice any symptoms. By identifying issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or plaque buildup in your arteries, we can start treatment right away and prevent more severe problems, such as heart attacks or strokes.
- Monitoring Existing Conditions: If you already have a cardiovascular condition, regular screenings help us monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Whether it’s keeping track of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or the effectiveness of your medication, these screenings help us ensure you’re on the right path to better heart health.
- Reducing the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Events: Regular screenings help us identify potential red flags that could lead to sudden cardiac events, like heart attacks or arrhythmias. By catching these warning signs early, we can take action to reduce your risk and keep you safe.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your heart is in good hands provides peace of mind. Routine heart screenings offer reassurance that you’re doing everything possible to stay healthy and address any potential issues before they become serious.
How Often Should You Get a Heart Screening?
How often you should get a heart screening depends on your age, risk factors, and overall health. For most adults, it’s a good idea to have a heart screening every two to five years, starting at age 20. However, if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, you may need more frequent checkups. Individuals over 40, especially those with additional risk factors, should consider annual heart screenings to catch any changes in their cardiovascular health early.
Who Needs More Frequent Heart Screenings?
Consider more frequent heart screenings if you have any of the following risk factors:
- Family History of Heart Disease: If heart disease runs in your family, you have an increased risk of developing similar conditions. Regular screenings can help detect any early warning signs, allowing us to take preventive measures.
- High Blood Pressure: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a leading risk factor for heart disease. If you have high blood pressure, more frequent screenings are crucial to monitor your levels and ensure your treatments are working effectively.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks or strokes. Regular screenings help track cholesterol levels and can guide your treatment.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at greater risk for cardiovascular issues. Routine heart screenings can help you manage this risk by catching any early signs of heart disease.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on your heart and increases the likelihood of heart disease. Frequent screenings allow us to monitor your heart health and suggest lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of severe heart health problems.
Our heart health specialists want to help you live a long, productive life. Call Cardiovascular Wellness today or complete our contact form to schedule a heart screening.
Cardiovascular Wellness Specialty Care, P.C. serves all of Long Island, New York, with locations in Lake Success and Hicksville, including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Great Neck, Manhasset, and surrounding areas.
Posted in: Heart Health
