Know Your Risk Before It Strikes
Your arteries could be hiding early disease. Find out today.
Very few women are aware of the right age to start heart disease screening tests, the leading cause of death in American women, according to a national survey by Orlando Health. Despite a recommendation by the American Heart Association to begin heart disease risk assessment at age 20, only 8% of women polled thought these crucial cardiovascular tests should start in their 20s. On average, women thought the right age to begin was 41 — two decades later.
This is a wake-up call that women shouldn’t wait until they’re 40 to pay attention to heart disease risk. Heart disease can start to develop in the teens or early 20s. Without treatment, it can silently damage arteries until it causes a heart attack or stroke. Here are the best ways for young women to be checked for hidden signs of heart disease, which can be prevented, stabilized, or even reversed with the science-based BaleDoneen Method, as shown in two peer-reviewed studies.
Blood Pressure Screening
Sixty-seven million Americans — about one in three adults — have high blood pressure (140/90 or higher), and 70 million have pre-hypertension (120/80 to 139/89). Elevated blood pressure is the leading risk for stroke and a major contributor to heart disease. Many people don’t know they have it or don’t have it under control. Yet it’s highly treatable with weight loss, lifestyle changes, and often medication. A large study found that for each 10 mm Hg drop in blood pressure screening heart check results, heart attack risk fell by 50%.
Cholesterol
Most patients assume the standard cholesterol test checks for all harmful cholesterol types. However, many providers don’t test for lipoprotein(a), which triples the risk for heart attacks. This inherited disorder doesn’t respond well to statins but can be treated with niacin and other therapies. This cardiovascular test only needs to be done once in a lifetime.
Blood Sugar
It’s common for people to be diagnosed with diabetes or insulin resistance shortly after a heart attack. In fact, insulin resistance is the cause of 70% of heart attacks. BaleDoneen and other studies show the most accurate screening for diabetes and heart risk is the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test can reveal if you have insulin resistance, which is often reversible with lifestyle changes.
Waist Measurement
A waistline over 35 inches for women is a sign of BMI and heart disease risk linked to metabolic syndrome. This cluster of risks increases the chances of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Ask your provider about the best plan to reduce waist size and improve heart disease risk assessment.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT)
This noninvasive 15-minute, FDA-approved test uses ultrasound to measure the thickness of the carotid artery lining and detect plaque. A study of 13,000 people found that adding cIMT results to traditional risk factors greatly improved heart disease screening accuracy.
Genetic Testing
About 50% of Americans carry genes that raise heart attack risk. If you have a family history of heart disease or diabetes, discuss genetic testing with your provider. Your DNA can also help guide the best diet and exercise plan to protect your heart.
Benefits of Early Screening
Starting heart disease screening tests in your 20s allows for early detection of silent risks like hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol problems. It also supports timely heart disease risk assessment before damage occurs. Early screening leads to faster treatment, lowers stroke risk, and improves long-term cardiovascular health. Young adults who monitor BMI and heart disease risk and act on abnormal results can prevent serious problems decades later.
FAQs
What are three tests that help recognize heart disease?
Blood pressure check, cholesterol test, and cIMT are key screenings.
What age to screen for heart disease?
The American Heart Association recommends starting at age 20.
What is the most common screening assessment for cardiovascular disease?
A blood pressure screening is the most common and accessible.
Can I get screened for heart disease?
Yes. Ask your doctor about tests like cIMT, cholesterol, and OGTT.
About the Author: Carol
