The best way to prevent heart disease is to understand your risk factors. For this reason, it is so important to schedule an annual wellness exam with your primary care provider and have these three screenings performed.
High Blood Pressure
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. If you are obese, smoke or have high cholesterol levels and your blood pressure is also high, your risk of a heart attack or stroke increases dramatically. High blood pressure is sometimes called the Silent Killer because it often produces no symptoms. Have your blood pressure checked regularly by your primary care provider.
High Blood Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. High cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to have a simple blood test performed by your primary care provider.
Diabetes
The leading cause of death for people with diabetes is heart problems. In fact, 65 percent of patients with diabetes die from some form of cardiovascular disease. Check for diabetes during your annual wellness exam and keep your blood sugar levels under control if you already have diabetes.
Sources: Mayo Clinic