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Many of us don’t go to the doctor until there’s something wrong. The phrase « if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it » comes to mind. Unfortunately, that thinking doesn’t cut it when it comes to your heart health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, yet around 80% of cardiac events are avoidable through early detection and prevention plans.
Heart disease screenings give you a snapshot of your health. Knowing your numbers for key factors can help you monitor your wellness and adjust your lifestyle. Let’s talk about heart disease, why you need to get screened and when you should do it. What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a general term used to describe several conditions that affect the heart, including but not limited to arrhythmias, valve disease and congenital heart defects. The most common heart disease is coronary artery disease, which impairs the blood vessels, hinders blood flow to the heart and can increase your risk of a heart attack.
Heart disease frequently goes undiagnosed until symptoms of a heart attack or heart failure present themselves. Regular heart disease screenings are essential to help you get ahead of many health scares. What causes heart disease?
Heart disease can happen at any age. In the case of congenital heart disease, it can happen at birth. Other times, it develops throughout our lives, like coronary artery disease, slowly progressing as plaque builds up. The cause of heart disease will vary depending on the type of condition. Let’s focus on coronary heart disease since it’s the most common type people experience.
The causes of coronary heart disease are genetics, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Essentially, your heart has to work harder because things are standing in the way, putting more strain on the organ than necessary. Your heart can only function for so long under excessive stress.
The CDC says that almost half of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease. That’s why you should get screenings regularly. Now let’s dig into when you should.
Hint: it’s before symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pressure or weakness present themselves. When should you get screened for heart disease?
The American Heart Association recommends that routine screenings should start at age 20. That sounds early, but heart disease can affect younger people, too. By starting regular screenings at 20, your doctor can establish a baseline for your body and monitor changes as you age.
