Heart Disease Prevention and Screenings
Did you know that more than 79 million Americans have one or more forms of heart disease, which causes over a third of all deaths in the U.S?
The key to heart disease prevention is managing your risk factors and early detection through regular screenings. While certain genetic or inherited factors such as age, gender and family history cannot be changed, adopting a healthy lifestyle can dramatically decrease your risk of getting heart disease.
Most regular heart screenings should begin at age 20 and include:
- blood pressure
- cholesterol
- weight/body mass index (BMI)
- waist circumference
- blood glucose test (this test should be done starting at age 45)
- physical activity, diet and tobacco use evaluation
You may 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 or stroke. Your doctor may also request more stringent screening if you already have risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Are you at risk?
Research shows that certain risk factors are more likely to contribute to cardiovascular disease. Many of the following risk factors can be reduced through diet, exercise and other healthy lifestyle changes.
- high blood pressure
- high blood cholesterol
- smoking
- diabetes
- family history of cardiac or vascular disease
- previous procedures related to cardiac or vascular disease
- history of heart attacks or strokes
- overweight or obesity
- inactive lifestyle
To help determine your risk level for heart disease, Beaumont has developed a number of easy and affordable heart screening programs, including:
7 for $70 - A series of seven non-invasive heart disease risk assessment tests, including state-of-the-art ultrasounds of your major arteries, all for only $70. To schedule an appointment for a heart disease risk assessment, request a test online or call 800-328-8542.
Healthy Heart Check Student Heart Screening Program - Heart checks for high school students between the ages of 13 and 18. Every year high school students die from sudden cardiac arrest. These deaths can be due to abnormal heart structure or abnormal rhythms that can lead to cardiac arrest. To help young people detect their risk for sudden cardiac arrest, Beaumont holds free community screenings on an ongoing basis or you can register for a student heart check at Ernst Cardiovascular Center at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak for $25. To make an appointment, call 800-328-8542.Contact Monique Brand at 248-898-4302.
