Heart disease is a major cause of death in most developed countries, such as Australia. The medical condition is gender-neutral – neither men nor women have an increased predisposition to the disease, in general. Fortunately, heart disease and its risk factors can be easily identified before the condition enters the advanced stage. Being overweight or high blood pressure could increase your chances of developing a heart disease. A heart screen program or heart disease screening will help uncover a lot more information about the condition of your heart. The following are things you shall experience during a heart screen program.

Blood Pressure Check

High blood pressure cannot be ascertained without checking it as there are zero physical symptoms usually. And since heightened blood pressure is an important heart disease indicator, it is important you get it checked regularly. If your blood pressure is more than 120/80 mmHg, medicine and/or lifestyle and diet changes would be advised.

Family History

If there have been cases of early heart disease among members of your immediate family, you are likely to develop the condition too. Therefore, during your heart screen program, your physician would ask you questions relating to your family history. Managing your heart condition would become easier if you are well-informed about the heart health of your immediate family.

Cholesterol Check

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that could hinder smooth and seamless blood flow in your body. You must go through a blood exam at least once every two or three years, starting in your 20s, to measure the levels of both “bad” and “good” cholesterol in your body. Ideal cholesterol levels should be 200 mg/dL or lesser. If you have high cholesterol, medicine or lifestyle changes could be prescribed.

Checking Blood Sugar Levels

Risk factors for heart disease and diabetes are quite similar, which could prompt your doctor to put you through a blood glucose examination – particularly if you exhibit other risk factors relating to heart disease. Generally, diabetics have increased blood sugar levels. When not treated, diabetes could heighten your likelihood of developing a heart problem.

Weight Check

Being overweight increases your likelihood of developing a heart condition. Using your height, weight, and waist circumference numbers, your physician may compute your BMI (body mass index), which helps ascertain whether your weight falls within the healthy range.

Lifestyle Questions

To assess your heart disease risks, the doctor would want to know more about your lifestyle. Good sleeping habits, a healthy diet, and regular exercise minimize your heart disease risks. A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, fat- and sugar-rich diets, etc. could increase your chances of developing a heart problem.