Why healthy people
might need a heart screening?
Why healthy people might need a heart screening?
Your heart is your body’s most critical muscle
take care of it!
Family history of heart disease
Even fit, otherwise healthy people need to be vigilant about their heart health if they have a family history of heart disease. The best way to protect your heart’s health is to:
- Stay active
- Keep your blood sugar down
- Keep your cholesterol low
- Manage your blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking (or never start)
Remember
people who are not overweight are not immune to heart disease. Your family history is a strong factor in your risk for future problems. According to the American Heart Association, “Even if your family has a clean bill of health, you should be aware of other genetic factors that can increase your family’s risk. For example, statistics show that African-Americans face higher risks for high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Statistics also indicate that about 1 in 3 Hispanics will suffer from high blood pressure, and nearly half will battle high blood cholesterol.” Talk to your physician to see if a Heart Scan is right for you.
High blood pressure
If your blood pressure is high, you may be at a higher risk for heart disease. Check your blood pressure often to make sure it stays within a healthy range. Blood pressure screenings are an incredibly important part of protecting the health of your heart.
Body weight
While heavier people can most certainly be fit, active, and healthy, a high BMI (body mass index) can be a risk factor for heart disease and other health problems. Staying active, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight are some of the best ways to prevent heart disease.
Tobacco use
People who smoke have a higher risk of health problems, including heart disease. If you smoke, the absolute best thing you can do for your health is to quit as soon as possible!
Diet
A healthy diet full of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains supports a healthy body and a healthy heart. Try to reduce your intake of refined sugars, red meat, “bad fats,” and processed foods high in sodium. A lifetime of a processed, high-fat diet can head to a higher risk of heart disease.
When do I need to think about a
heart screening?
If you haven’t already been diagnosed with heart disease, you should consider having a Heart Scan screening if you are a:
- Man between the ages of 45 and 80
- Woman between the ages of 55 and 80
Or you have one or more of these cardiovascular risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- High LDL (“bad”) or low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Obesity
- Tobacco use (any type)
- Diabetes
- History of heart disease in your immediate family
