10 / 16
SCREENING TEST
WHEN TO GET IT
WHY HAVE IT
Cholesterol.
Also called a fasting lipo-
protein profile, this test measures total
cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
(another type of fat) in the blood.
Every four to six years starting at age 20.
Having too much LDL cholesterol (the
bad kind that clogs arteries) or too little
HDL cholesterol (the good kind that helps
remove excess cholesterol) can contrib-
ute to heart disease. High triglycerides
can also affect heart health.
Blood sugar (glucose).
Various tests
may be used to check for prediabetes (a
possible precursor to full-blown diabetes)
and diabetes.
Starting at age 45; sooner if you’re
overweight and have at least one other
diabetes risk factor—for instance, a family
history of the disease. Repeat testing is
often recommended about every three
years.
An elevated blood sugar level can dam-
age the body—including the heart.
Bringing blood sugar down, however, can
help protect the heart.
Blood pressure.
Every two years starting at age 20.
High blood pressure contributes to hard-
ened arteries and overworks the heart,
setting the stage for heart disease, stroke
and other serious problems.
Body mass index (BMI).
Calculated
from your height and weight, this number
helps determine whether you’re over-
weight or obese.
During regular checkups, your doctor may
calculate your BMI and possibly measure
your waist.
Unwanted pounds, especially around the
midsection, can mean trouble for your
heart and boost other health risks too.
Call Jackson Hospital at
334-293-8600,
option 2,
to schedule your cardiovascular
screening. For just $49, this screening is your
chance to be sure about your heart health.
What you don’t know
can’t hurt
you, right? Don’t believe it—not even
for a heartbeat. You might be headed for
heart disease or even a heart attack and
not know it. That’s because some of the
major risk factors—like diabetes, high cho-
lesterol and high blood pressure—often
don’t have symptoms you would easily
notice.
Why you need heart-
health screenings
But there are ways to learn where
you and your heart stand: routine
screenings.
Many times you can get these tests
at your doctor’s office. And if they
happen to reveal cardiovascular risks,
then you and your doctor can discuss
treatments that will lower those
risks.
The what, when and why.
Talk with your doctor about the following
screenings and the health of your heart. It’s
also important to discuss lifestyle changes
that can help keep a heart going strong, such
as exercising, eating a heart-healthy diet and
stopping smoking. Keep in mind that these
are general guidelines. Some people need
more frequent or additional testing.
10