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Cardiac screening can play a major role in lowering your risk of adverse cardiovascular events, like a stroke or heart attack. It measures everything from cholesterol to blood pressure. With this information, a health care professional can recommend lifestyle changes that benefit you. 

The Importance of Cardiac Screenings

cardiac screeningAccording to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, accounting for more than 17.3 million deaths per year. What makes this number so scary is that many cases of cardiovascular disease are preventable. The first step is cardiac screening.

Cardiac screening includes the following measurements:

  • Blood pressure: High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. For people with a healthy blood pressure, which is 120/80 millimeters of mercury, the AHA suggests getting measured every two years, starting at age 20.
  • Cholesterol: Fasting lipoprotein profile, or cholesterol, determines the potential for blockage in your arteries. The AHA recommends measuring this every four to six years, starting at age 20. 
  • Body Weight: Excess body weight is associated with a wealth of cardiac conditions, including heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure. That’s why it’s important to monitor your body mass index (BMI).

Do You Need a Cardiac Screening?

The above recommendations are only basic guidelines. If you are deemed to be at risk for cardiovascular disease or an adverse event due to family history or an unhealthy blood pressure, you’ll want to get checked more regularly. 

Common lifestyle changes that can improve poor heart health include quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthier, and exercising more frequently. If these natural methods don’t work, more serious alternatives may be prescribed, such as pharmaceutical pills to lower blood pressure. The good news is that you can always make these changes. A cardiac screening to check your stats is the first step to get you on a healthier path.

 

To check your heart health in the Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky areas, look to Northern KY Emergency Medical Services. These professionals offer cardiac screening, as well as health care education courses from CPR and first aid training to OSHA consultations. A non-profit organization, they are devoted to helping the communities they serve attain better health. Find out more about their services and mission online. If you have any questions, give them a call at (859) 572-4511. 

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