Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, but you can do a lot to monitor and protect your heart health.

Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk, making healthy choices and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease. Find heart healthy tips here. Since your risk can change over time ask your provider what heart healthy screenings are recommended at each annual visit.

Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms so it can’t be detected without being measured. High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Annual screenings for adults aged 40 years or older and for those who are at increased risk is recommended.

Persons at increased risk include those who have high-normal blood pressure (130 to 139/85 to 89 mm Hg), those who are overweight or obese, and African Americans. High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication. Read our High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet.

Cholesterol Screening
Patients who have high cholesterol are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The good news is that cholesterol can be controlled with medication or lifestyle changes. A cholesterol test, which is also called a lipid panel or lipid profile, determines what your cholesterol levels are. Read our High Cholesterol Fact Sheet.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
The Society for Vascular Surgery recommends one-time ultrasonography screening for AAA in all men and women aged 65 to 75 years with a history of tobacco use, men 55 years or older with a family history of AAA, and women 65 years or older who have smoked or have a family history of AAA. Ask your provider for more information on setting up an AAA screening.