You may not know this, but heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, surpassing even breast cancer. The risk of heart disease rises significantly after menopause as estrogen, which helps protect the heart, declines.
The American Heart Association states that one in three women will die from heart disease. However, proactive health screenings can help detect potential issues early, allowing you to address them before they become serious.
Regular health screenings are as important as a balanced diet and exercise. Below is a checklist of essential heart screenings to discuss with your doctor to help maintain a healthy heart.
- Blood Pressure: A Silent Killer
Monitoring blood pressure is vital for heart health, especially after menopause. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, making it difficult to detect until damage is done.
- What to know: Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
- How often to check: Start checking annually in your 20s, and more frequently after age 40, especially if you have risk factors like smoking or obesity.
- At-home monitoring: A blood pressure monitor can help track your numbers regularly.
- Cholesterol: Managing the Good and Bad Fats
Cholesterol is essential for building cells, but too much can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and strokes.
What to know:
- Total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/dL.
- LDL (bad cholesterol) should be under 100 mg/dL.
- HDL (good cholesterol) should be above 60 mg/dL.
How often to check: Have your cholesterol checked at least once a year or more frequently if your doctor recommends it.
- Echocardiogram: A Clear Picture of Heart Health
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of your heart’s structure and function. This non-invasive test helps diagnose heart conditions like valve problems and heart failure.
- What to know: The echocardiogram is recommended for women with heart disease risk factors or symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue. It's not a routine test for everyone.
- Coronary Calcium Scan: Detecting Artery Blockages Early
A coronary calcium scan is a non-invasive test that measures calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, which can be an early sign of coronary artery disease.
- What to know: The test gives a calcium score, ranging from 0 (no risk) to over 400 (very high risk). If your score is low (0-10), you’re at a low risk for heart disease.
- How it helps: A higher calcium score indicates increased risk and may prompt additional testing or preventive steps.
Heart disease largely is preventable, but the first step is to stay informed and schedule the right screenings. Discuss these tests with your doctor, and don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Proactive monitoring can help protect your heart and overall well-being.
We're here to support you on your journey to a healthier heart. Together, we can help you stay focused on what matters most—your health.
Your Santo Remedio Team
