The heart gets a fair amount of attention. Over hundreds of years, the heart has become the symbol of affection and love. Additionally, we know that the heart is central to health and longevity. When the heart is strong, we can expect to enjoy good overall health. A sick heart, on the other hand, poses a threat we’d rather not face. Many men and women are affected by some type of heart disease without even a clue. This is why screening tests are an important aspect of general health care. Here, we propose 4 specific tests that can help you become more familiar with your heart as it is now as well as how it may be in the future.
Many people have never even heard of BMI calculation. However, this simple test that doesn’t even need your doctor’s oversight can tell you a lot about your personal health risks. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. This measurement can be calculated using a basic online tool (easy to find by searching “BMI calculator”) that utilizes only your weight and your height.
A higher BMI means that the heart has to work harder to generate sufficient physical energy. It also often correlates with higher blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels, both of which affect the heart.
Blood pressure is also something you can measure outside of your doctor’s office. Some pharmacies have in-store blood pressure monitors that can give you a basic reading. Your doctor also takes your blood pressure at the beginning of every visit. One high reading may not be cause for concern. When blood pressure is consistently elevated, it means that blood is circulating with greater force. As a result, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases.
Elevated blood glucose indicates diabetes, a condition that has been listed as a contributing factor in several other potentially serious health problems. Studies have demonstrated that people with diabetes, especially if blood glucose is unmanaged, are more likely to experience a stroke, heart attack, or kidney disease. Heart health may be affected by this condition because diabetes tends to cause damage to the blood vessels throughout the body.
Heart health is something to pay attention to at any age. For more information on the screenings and treatments available at Premier Cardiology Consultants, call 516-437-5600. We are pleased to serve patients in and around Lake Success, Forest Hills, and Richmond Hill, NY.
