The best method to prevent heart disease is to identify and manage your risk factors. Many people find it simple to schedule an annual visit with their primary care physician to screen for items like:

  • blood pressure
  • cholesterol
  • fasting blood glucose
  • weight and body mass index (BMI)

Knowing these values will help you decide whether to make lifestyle changes or seek additional treatment for probable cardiac issues.

But when should you request a more extensive cardiac screening?

We recommend additional cardiac tests for patients with two or more risk factors and experiencing symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat.

These tests may include:

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An EKG evaluates your heart's electrical circuitry and rhythm.

Why and when: This test may be useful if you have risk factors for an enlarged heart, such as high blood pressure or heart disease symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat. It may also be useful if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or other risk factors and wish to begin an exercise regimen.

Exercise Stress Test

An exercise stress test looks for irregular heartbeats during exercise.

Why and when: This test may be useful if you are experiencing heart disease symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or heavy heartbeats. It may also be useful if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or other risk factors and wish to begin an exercise regimen.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to examine the size and form of your heart, checking for abnormalities in the heart valves, chambers, walls, and blood arteries.

Why and when: If your doctor suspects symptoms, like chest pain or shortness of breath, are caused by a structural problem in your heart, you may need to do this test.

Calcium Scoring

Calcium scoring employs a computed tomography (CT) scan to search for calcium buildup in the plaque on the artery walls.

Why and when: If you have a medium risk of heart disease, this test can help you determine your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or developing the condition. Your doctor may use the findings to modify your treatment strategy or recommend lifestyle changes.

While these tests can help accurately diagnose and treat cardiac disease, they are only for some. It is critical to consult with your cardiologist or primary care physician to establish whether and when you should undergo these exams.

The selection and frequency of more advanced tests should be addressed with your doctor.

List of Heart Checkup Tests and Screening Questions

A primary heart health visit does not usually include complex tests. To monitor your heart's health, your doctor should:

  • Assess your weight and BMI.
  • Check your blood pressure.
  • Order a blood test to determine your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
  • Ask about your nutrition, physical activity, and smoking habits.
  • Inquire about your personal and family medical histories.
  • Inquire whether you have observed any alterations in your health.

If you've been diagnosed with heart disease or your doctor suspects you've developed it, they may prescribe additional testing.

Tips for Maintaining Heart Health

Prevention is generally more helpful than elaborate (and often expensive) therapies that aren't appropriate for everyone.

If you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, you must understand your condition and what you can do to avoid a more serious heart problem.

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce your chance of developing heart disease. For example:

  • Avoid using tobacco.
  • Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.
  • Eat various nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Limit your intake of trans fats, saturated fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
  • Take steps to control your weight.
  • If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes, or another health problem, follow your doctor's prescribed treatment plan.

Routine heart health screenings are also essential for keeping your heart healthy. These screens can assist your doctor in identifying potential problems early on, allowing you to receive the necessary treatment. In addition, this knowledge will assist you in making the necessary lifestyle modifications or seeking further treatment. If you are thinking of going to check your heart, you may try searching “heart screening near me.”