Cardiac screening plays a major role in combating heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States. If risk factors for cardiovascular disease–like high blood pressure–are diagnosed early on, you can make lifestyle changes to get your heart health back on track. Find out what to expect from this procedure in the sections below.

How Cardiac Screening Works

A cardiac screening is painless and no cause for concern. The doctor will check your blood pressure and measure your weight and height to calculate your body mass index. A blood sample will be taken to measure cholesterol and glucose levels. You will also be asked about your lifestyle, like whether you smoke, as well as your family history.

Your doctor may want to do an electrocardiogram, which detects abnormal heart rhythms, and an echocardiogram–which looks for abnormalities in the size and shape of your heart. Finally, an exercise stress test may be recommended. For this, you will walk or run on a treadmill while your heart rate is monitored for irregularities. 

What to Do After Your Appointment

Your doctor will make recommendations based on the results of these tests. Say you are overweight and have high cholesterol, for example. You will be advised to get more exercise and eat a diet with less fat and more fiber. In some cases, medication may be prescribed. 

Set a followup appointment with your doctor to track your progress as you implement these changes–which can be life-saving. Cardiovascular disease leads to fatal ailments like heart attack and stroke. A cardiac screening gives you the information you need to protect yourself.

If you are interested in scheduling a heart health screening in the greater Cincinnati area, look to Northern KY Emergency Medical Services of Fort Thomas, KY. Certified by the American Heart Association®, this non-profit center has been serving the community for over 50 years. In addition to conducting cardiovascular exams, they also offer health training courses like first aid certification–find out more online. If you would like to schedule a cardiac screening, call them directly at (859) 572-4511.