As communities across the nation observe American Heart Month this February, Dignity Health is spotlighting the vital importance of proactive heart health, urging individuals to prioritize understanding their cardiac risk factors through comprehensive screenings.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, yet many cases are preventable or manageable with early detection.
“Heart Month is more than just an awareness campaign; it’s a critical call to action,” said Dr. Jahandar Saleh, a leading cardiologist at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center. “Many people don’t realize they are at risk for heart disease until they experience a serious event. That’s why getting screened, understanding your numbers and having an open dialogue with your doctor are paramount. Early detection can literally be a lifesaver.”
Heart disease often develops silently, with symptoms not appearing until significant damage has occurred. Screenings play a crucial role in identifying warning signs and risk factors before they escalate into more severe conditions like heart attacks, strokes or heart failure.
Key Heart Screenings Everyone Should Consider
Dignity Health recommends a range of screenings, tailored to individual risk factors and age. These often include:
● Blood Pressure Checks: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, often without noticeable symptoms. Regular checks are essential.
● Cholesterol Tests (lipid panel): Measures total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol and triglycerides, which can indicate plaque buildup in arteries.
● Blood Glucose Tests (diabetes screening): Untreated diabetes can severely damage blood vessels and nerves, significantly increasing heart disease risk.
● Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference: Indicators of obesity, a major contributor to heart conditions.
● Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): A quick, painless test that records the electrical signals in your heart, detecting irregularities in heart rhythm and structure.
● Advanced Screenings (as recommended by a physician): For those with higher risk factors, doctors may recommend calcium scoring CT scans, stress tests or echocardiograms to provide a more detailed view of heart health.
“Knowing your numbers – your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar – is the first, most powerful step in preventing heart disease,” Saleh added. “These simple tests, often performed during a routine check-up, provide invaluable insights that empower you and your health care team to make informed decisions about your health.”
Beyond screenings, it’s encouraged that you make lifestyle modifications that support a healthy heart, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress and quitting smoking.
Schedule a preventative health visit with your doctor to discuss your personal risk factors and determine which screenings are right for you. It’s an investment in your future and an opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.