Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. While CVD is largely preventable, it tops the disease burden list. This situation is expected to worsen, with projections showing that 45% of the U.S. adult population will live with cardiovascular disease by 2035 [1].
Let’s explore how screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, can help individuals monitor their health and lower their risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke.
Blood pressure screening
Blood pressure refers to how hard blood pushes against the walls of the arteries. Arteries are the tubes that carry blood away from your heart. High blood pressure causes harm by making the heart and blood vessels work harder and less efficiently. Over time, the force and friction of high blood pressure damage the delicate tissues inside the arteries.
Nearly half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure [2]. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing serious health problems, including stroke and heart attack. Since high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, it is crucial to get it checked. By regularly monitoring blood pressure, individuals can get a good picture of their heart health. This health insight can enable patients to receive the treatment and care they need to control their blood pressure.
Cholesterol screening
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that the body needs for good health, in the right amounts. When the amount of cholesterol in a person’s blood increases, so does the risk to their health. High cholesterol contributes to a higher risk of CVDs, such as heart disease and stroke. That’s why it’s crucial for people to get their cholesterol tested.
There are two types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol, which is bad, and HDL, which is good. An excess of LDL cholesterol, or an insufficient amount of HDL, increases the risk that cholesterol will accumulate in the inner walls of the arteries that are connected to the heart and brain.
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. That’s why it’s important for people to check their cholesterol levels regularly. Using LetsGetChecked’s cholesterol and lipid panel, individuals can measure:
- Triglycerides
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- HDL % of Total Cholesterol
- Lipoprotein(a)
Blood glucose screening
Glucose is a type of sugar in the blood that comes from foods people eat. Glucose in the blood sticks to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. As blood glucose levels increase, more hemoglobin will be coated with glucose. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart.
A high blood glucose level means that too much sugar is present in the blood, increasing the likelihood of developing diabetes as well as CVD. CVD is very common among people with diabetes, with a majority of people with type 2 diabetes eventually developing it [3]. Regular blood glucose level testing is vital to helping people better understand their CVD risk and reduce the risk of devastating complications.
Monitor heart health with LetsGetChecked
Tests and screenings are important ways to learn about one’s health. LetsGetChecked’s easy cholesterol and diabetes testing, now with lipoprotein(a), enables individuals to monitor their heart health from the comfort of home. Our tests offer insights into key biomarkers that can enable individuals and healthcare teams to make informed decisions, paving the way for a healthier and happier heart.
