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Management of health behaviors and risk factors is essential in reducing the chances of developing heart disease or CAD. This includes physical activity, diet quality, smoking, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and total cholesterol and blood glucose levels. But, how can one determine the risk factors that are present in their body? The best heart doctor in Delhi may request or perform screening tests as part of routine visits.
Most of us do not have ideal levels of risk for all screenings. Nevertheless, if your test results are not ideal, it does not necessarily mean you will suffer from a serious heart condition. Instead, it means that you are at a point where you can make positive changes to your health.
As a general guide, the following tests can be used to monitor cardiovascular health:
Blood Pressure
A crucial screening procedure is the measurement of blood pressure because it is often asymptomatic. High blood pressure, therefore, cannot be determined without measuring it. In addition, people with high blood pressure are much more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease or strokes. Therefore, it would be best to have your blood pressure checked periodically, beginning at age 20, especially below 120/80 mm Hg. Changing your lifestyle and medication are both effective in controlling high blood pressure.
Profile of fasting lipoproteins (cholesterol)
It is generally recommended that you examine your fasting lipoprotein levels every four to six years, beginning at the age of 20. The test measures LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), and total cholesterol. Your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent testing if you are at higher risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. A combination of lifestyle changes and medication can often control cholesterol levels, just as they can do for high blood pressure.
Body Mass Index
The best heart doctor in Delhi may ask you about your waist measurement or determine your body mass index (BMI) using your weight at your routine visit. Your physician can use these measurements to determine whether you are maintaining a healthy weight and body composition. An overweight person is more likely to suffer from health conditions such as hypertension, arrhythmia, fibrillation of the heart, a heart attack, and many others.
Glucose levels in the blood
If you have abnormal blood glucose levels, you are more likely to develop insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes. In the absence of proper treatment, diabetes can result in a range of serious medical conditions, including stroke and heart disease. Your healthcare provider may suggest a blood glucose test if you are overweight and suffering from one or more other heart disease risk factors. As a screening method for type 2 diabetes, your doctor may also check the glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1c%) level in your blood. When an individual’s A1c level is greater than 6.5%, they are considered diabetic.
Physical activity, smoking, and dietary habits
For those who smoke, speak with your healthcare professional about the methods you can use to help you quit. It is also important to speak about your dietary habits and exercise habits with your doctor. Consider asking your healthcare provider for suggestions on how you can improve your diet and daily physical activity level.
Health history of the family
Your family history strongly influences the risk of heart disease. For example, you may be at greater risk if your father or brother suffered from heart disease before age 55 or your mother or sister suffered from heart disease before age 65. If you have questions about your family’s heart disease history, discuss them with family members before your heart screening. In addition, make sure your physician is aware of your family’s history of heart disease.
Ask for your results after you have been screened. Ensure that you keep a written record of all your numbers and understand their meaning. Then, talk to your doctor about the results. The best heart doctor in Delhi can help you develop an action plan to improve your heart health if your numbers suggest that you are at risk for heart disease.