Why is it Important to Have Regular Heart Screening?

Heart screening can play a very important role in keeping you fit and healthy. Even a single check-up can have a big impact, but it is even better to visit us for regular screening to see how your health is changing as you grow older.

Why Is Heart Screening Important?

Heart disease and the risk factors that can increase your chances of developing it can often stay hidden. You might have high cholesterol or high blood pressure for many months or years, without even realising that you are affected. Even if you appear to be completely fit and healthy, these hidden issues could be putting you at risk.

Heart screening can check for these kinds of hidden problems as well as for the first signs of cardiovascular conditions. Once these issues have been detected, it is often possible to take action to reduce the risks. For example, changing your diet or taking more exercise could help to lower your cholesterol or improve your blood pressure. You will also be able to get any treatment that is necessary as soon as possible, which can ensure that it achieves the best results.

Benefits of Regular Heart Screening

One check-up can tell you how healthy you are at the moment, but there are some good reasons to come back for regular screening:

• Screening tests such as blood pressure checks can reveal the effects that your treatment or lifestyle changes are having. You will be able to see how much of a difference your efforts have made, which can provide great motivation. We’ll also be able to adjust your treatment if necessary.
• The risk of cardiovascular problems increases with age, so it is important to keep checking for any developing issues. Even if screening shows that you are at low risk now, that doesn’t mean that your risk of heart disease won’t increase in the future.
• Heart screening is a good chance to check on your health and talk to a doctor. Talking to an expert can help you to feel better and reassure you that all is well.

How Often Should You Have Heart Screening?

You can have heart screening at any time, but we particularly recommend it for anyone who is over 30 as the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age. The results of your check up will reveal how likely you are to be affected by heart disease in the near future, which can provide a good guide to when you should arrange your next screening:

• High risk results mean that your condition should be monitored carefully and you may need treatment to reduce the risk, so we’ll provide personalised advice on your next steps
• Moderate risk results suggest mean that you should come back to be screened once a year
• Low risk results mean that you won’t need to be screened again for 5 years, unless anything changes with your health of lifestyle

Regular screening should ensure that any issues are detected and addressed as quickly as possible, which should help you and your heart to stay healthier for longer.