Staying on top of your heart health is one of the most important things you can do for your body. Heart disease can develop without being noticed, which is very easy, especially with many American’s poor diets and poor exercise routines. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
At Centerville Medical Center, we provide a variety of screening tests to determine your risk for heart disease. Taking a proactive step towards prevention and leading a healthy lifestyle could save your life.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
- Genetic history
- Age
- Men have a higher risk
- Smoking
- Use of stimulants
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet
- Poor exercise regimen
- Mismanagement of weight
- Diabetes (type I or type II)
- C-reactive protein (CRP) levels
Various Heart Disease Screenings We Offer
Many different screening tests are available to diagnose and test for different cardiovascular diseases or conditions. The key is to understand your risk factors and know what symptoms to look out for.
Lipid Panel Screenings: Lipid Panels are done to determine the different levels of fat that are in your blood. The three lipid levels we regularly scan for are:
LDL Cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoprotein is the “bad” cholesterol. It is what can cause plaque in the arteries.
HDL Cholesterol: High-Density Lipoprotein is the “good” cholesterol. A high HDL level is a contributing factor for preventing heart disease.
Triglycerides: You experience increased Triglyceride levels after eating. Triglycerides are common fats. They can contribute to heart disease, along with a low HDL and high LDL.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Screening: CRP has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, stroke, coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, type 2 diabetes. C-reactive protein is produced by the body to address injury/infection. A high CRP level indicates a higher risk of experiencing heart problems.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is a very simple procedure. You will lie on your back while an ultrasound is used to scan your abdomen, and any irregularities in the abdominal aorta are noted.
Glucose Screening: Once you’re 45, you should have your glucose levels checked. This can help identify a case of diabetes or insulin resistance. If any cardiovascular disease risk factors apply to you, it is advised to have your glucose levels checked every 2 years.
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure often shows no immediate symptoms, but is incredibly easy to check. Make sure to have your blood pressure monitored, at the very least, every 2 years, or more frequently if any risk factors of heart disease apply to you.
Contact Us Today For a Heart Disease Screening in Dallas, TX
To learn more about heart disease and the many screenings offered by Dr. Osuagwu at the Centerville Medical Center, contact us today. Our expert team is standing by and ready to help patients in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas. Start making your heart health a priority by visiting us today.
