When Do You Need a Heart Screening
The Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Health confirm that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among both males and females in the United States. Many reasons have been attributed to this. While heart disease may be critical in most cases, there are effective treatments for all cases of heart-related ailments. However, the earlier the problem is detected, the easier it will be to treat it. That is why people at risk of heart disease are advised to go for heart screening regularly. But even without being at a high risk of the deadly disease, everyone should occasionally go for heart screening. The question is how often, or when should you go for heart screening? Before we answer that, let’s first take a look at what heart screening is.
What is Heart Screening?
Heart screening involves any of the numerous tests and examinations conducted to evaluate the state of health of the heart. The word screening is usually used if the test is done before any sign of the disease is observed. Cardiac (heart) Screenings are tests that are used to detect disease before symptoms appear.
The purpose of screening is to detect disease at the earliest possible stage, when it is most curable. Therefore, it should be a routine medical check-up. But that does not mean there are no factors that may call for the screening. Heart screening and other screenings are usually done based on age, sex, family history, previous diagnosis, lifestyle, and other risk factors. Suspected symptoms can also necessitate screening. Heart screening usually involves blood tests, chest x-ray, blood pressure tests, ECG and Echocardiogram, among others.
Who Needs a Heart Screening?
Nearly everyone needs one form of heart screening or another. However, some people need it more frequently. A blood pressure test is recommended for everybody above the age of 20. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, then you need to do the test more frequently. Older adults also need this test more often. Cholesterol tests are also recommended for every matured individual. While people above the age of 45 should endeavour to go for blood glucose tests. If you are obese, you should start the test at the age of 40. More detailed heart screening is recommended for the following people:
- Old people
- Chronic smoker of tobacco products
- Obese persons
- People with a family history of heart disease
- People suffering from diabetes mellitus
- Those that are previously diagnosed with any heart disorder, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
- People living sedentary lifestyles or those whose activities are restricted due to disability
Why Go For Heart Screening?
Prevention is better than cure. It is always good to detect a problem earlier before presenting symptoms than after the symptoms are pronounced. In many cases, the screening will detect the risk factor, which can be easily treated and prevent the disease. If you smoke tobacco regularly, detecting heart problems early may motivate you to quit smoking before it causes irreparable damage.
Heart attacks can lead to sudden death without signs or warning. But screening can detect the causative factor(s). If causes are detected early, they can be prevented before it becomes a major health issue.
People that need heart transplants usually rely on donors. Unfortunately, many of them don’t live long enough to receive the donation. If detected early and you still need a donor, you will be placed on the waiting list early. Then you will still be strong and stand a better chance of waiting successfully till one is available. If you wait for your health to start failing before going for the test, it might have been too late.
Most importantly, a frequent medical check-up is good for everyone.
When Do You Need a Heart Screening?
As stated earlier, everyone, even those that are not at any particular risk of heart disease, needs to start going for heart screening from age 20. At that age, you can have your blood pressure tested once in two years and cholesterol test once in five years. The older you become, the more frequent you should go for the screening. When you reach 45, you should include a blood sugar test in the screening. You can do it once every three years. If you are at a high risk of diabetes, you can start earlier and go for screening more frequently.
If you are a chronic tobacco smoker or have a family history of cardiovascular disease, then you need a more comprehensive test like CTA, ECG, or EKG. People who also have abnormal blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol levels should also go for advanced screening.
How is Heart Screening Done?
Heart screening must be done by medical professionals. Blood pressure is a relatively simple test, and there are do-it-yourself kits that you can even use to test your heart pressure at home. But it is recommended that you let a medical professional screen you for a proper heart functioning check-up. Blood cholesterol tests and blood sugar tests are carried out like typical blood tests. Your blood samples will be taken and tested in the laboratory.
Scans are more elaborate. They require more complex equipment and trained technicians. Most of them use electrodes connected to a machine. The electrodes will be attached to your chest while you stay motionless on an examination table. Images of your heart will be taken and analyzed by a medical professional.
What to Do After Heart Screening?
If your heart screening result shows everything is normal about your heart, you are lucky. All you have to do is to repeat the test after the recommended period. But if a risk factor is detected, your doctor will recommend the steps you should take. In some cases, a lifestyle change might be enough. Your doctor may recommend quitting smoking and alcohol if you do consume them before. You may also need to do more exercises, change your diet, and monitor your weight. However, in some cases, more medical attention may be required. Your doctor may prescribe medications that you will need to take regularly. In more severe cases, you may need surgery.
We Can Help You
If your screening result is not favorable, that is not the end of life. We can help you. We are experts in heart-related treatments. also, we offer professional advice and counseling on how to manage your health condition. Whether you need heart screening or treatment, you can count on us for professional medical care and assistance. We have a team that specializes in providing medical support. We also have many years of experience helping people who are passing through similar situations like you. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. We will be happy to help you.
Conclusion
Heart screening consists of a series of tests carried out to evaluate the condition of the heart and ascertain that all is well. It is usually done when there are no symptoms of a heart problem. Heart screening includes blood pressure tests, blood cholesterol tests, blood sugar tests, chest scans, CTA, ECG and Echocardiogram, among other tests.
Heart screening should start at the age of 20 and should be done at intervals recommended by your doctor or the health authority. People at higher risk should go for screening more frequently. This includes older adults, smokers, obese persons, diabetic patients, and those with a family history of heart disease. If your screening shows you are at risk of heart problems, you must commence treatment as recommended by your doctor immediately.
