Why Are Regular Health Checks Vital For Heart Health?

Regular health screenings and consultation with a medical professional is vital to ensure a healthy heart. Our heart is affected by several health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, etc. along with hereditary considerations. Age, gender, and ethnicity are also known to play a part in determining the health of your heart.

With so many factors, several beyond your control, it is essential that the heart is monitored regularly with vital health checks. On World Heart Day, we would recommend everyone, despite their age, to consider booking a doctor’s appointment for the sake of a happy and healthy heart.

Here are a few reasons regular health checks are a must for your heart-

1. Blood Pressure - Blood pressure is among the most important indicators of heart health and aberrations in BP usually remain undetected without regular monitoring. Blood pressure levels higher than the normal 120/80 mm Hg are indicative of coronary disease risk factors. It is advisable to get blood pressure checked at least twice a year after 20 years of age. The frequency can be higher if you are predisposed to coronary diseases. The good news is blood pressure can easily be controlled through simple lifestyle changes and medications.

2. Blood Glucose Levels - When diabetes goes undetected and untreated for long periods, it can cause strokes and other heart diseases. It is recommended to monitor blood glucose levels every 3 years after 40 years of age if you are not a known diabetic.

3. Lipid Profile - A lipid profile screening screens for high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides. Screening once every 4 to 6 years after 20 years of age can give sufficient indication about the health of the heart. Higher cholesterol levels make you more prone to coronary diseases, but the condition can be easily reversed through good lifestyle choices and medication when detected early on.

4. Lipid Profile - A lipid profile screening screens for high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides. Screening once every 4 to 6 years after 20 years of age can give enough indication about the health of the heart. Higher cholesterol levels make you more prone to coronary diseases, but the condition can be easily reversed through good lifestyle choices and medication when detected early on.

5. Body Weight - With many individuals leading sedentary lifestyles, overweight and obesity have become commonplace. However, obesity increases the risks of several lifestyle and coronary diseases. It is therefore important to ensure a healthy body weight.

Regular monitoring of heart health is possible even at home, but proper laboratory screening is recommended at least once every two years. These health checks ensure your heart is safeguarded against risk factors and allow early detection of the warning signs. Timely detection and treatment can help you live a long and healthy life. However, it is equally important to adopt healthy lifestyle choices like a proper diet, management of stress, and adequate physical activity, without which you cannot shield your heart against potential risks.