Why Routine Heart Checkups Are Important

Is your heart health a top priority? It should be. Did you know that, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), someone dies from a heart or circulatory disease every three minutes in the UK, and over 7.6 million Britons currently live with heart disease?

People with heart disease are also at a higher risk of suffering a stroke and having a heart attack, especially when these heart issues remain undiagnosed. 

Heart check-ups and screenings are vital even if you’ve never had any trouble with your heart before. Not sure how you can check up on your heart health? Here’s our advice on why you should be scheduling a heart screening, what to expect, and some tips for keeping your heart healthy.

The benefits of regular heart health check-ups

You should be getting a heart check-up regardless of whether you’ve been experiencing symptoms like chest pain and tightness or shortness of breath. There are many heart conditions and diseases that present with minor symptoms or no symptoms at all. Along with peace of mind, the benefits of regular cardiovascular check-ups include:

  • Early detection of any potential problems (this is key to ensuring swift intervention and/or treatment)

  • Reduce your risk of developing heart disease in the future

  • Improve your overall health

  • Get a better understanding of your health and how it’s changing as you age

  • Keep long-term healthcare costs to a minimum

  • Receive accurate, up-to-date advice on how to improve your heart health

What to expect during a cardiovascular screening

A doctor checks a patients blood pressure

Cardiovascular screenings involve a variety of different tests. These tests include:

  • Blood pressure monitoring: high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Ideally, your blood pressure should be below 120/80 mm Hg.

  • Cholesterol testing: you should get your cholesterol tested at least every six years if you’ve been deemed ‘normal risk’ for heart disease. A healthy adult should have a cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dl.

  • Body Mass Index (BMI): a healthy BMI is conducive to a healthy heart, while a higher BMI is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

  • Blood glucose testing: when you reach your 40s, it’s a good idea to check your blood glucose levels at least once every few years. This is because, if left untreated, diabetes can have a negative impact on your heart. Normal fasting blood glucose levels should be anywhere between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL.

Tips for optimal heart health

While you don’t have any control over your family history when it comes to health conditions, you do have control over how you live your life and how you take care of your body. Lifestyle factors play an important role in the health of your heart and there are plenty of positive changes you can make starting immediately. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Look at your diet: a diet that promotes heart health, is low in trans and saturated fats, and is high in fibre, fresh fruit and vegetables.

  • Put a stop to unhealthy habits: smoking, excessive drinking, and not getting enough sleep won’t do your heart any favours. Try to replace unhealthy habits with habits that boost your wellbeing (such as swapping smoking with going outside periodically for fresh air).

  • Exercise: be sure to fit in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week to keep your heart happy. Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy to make your regime easier to stick to.

Manage stress: it’s a silent aspect of your health but plays a part in most people’s lives. Find healthy ways to cope with stress and make changes where possible to reduce it.

Heart health check-ups with DP World Tour

At Cignpost, we’re passionate about providing health and assurance for all. We’re proud to have partnered with the DP World Tour to provide cutting-edge health and diagnostics services to professional golfers and critical support staff. Over the course of our three-year partnership, we will provide diagnostic services during both the Challenge Tour and Legends Tour.

Along with heart health check-ups with the DP World Tour, we also offer bespoke health and diagnostics solutions to various industries across the UK, including rapid on-site COVID-19 testing to create COVID-19 secure environments. Get in touch to learn more.

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