A doctor shared some vital tests women should get done to ensure their heart is healthy (Image: Getty)
A cardiologist has shared four important health checks women should have done when they reach 40. According to the expert, these could help identify any issues that might otherwise go undetected.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) warns that coronary heart disease, which is the main cause of heart attacks, kills twice as many women as breast cancer in the UK each year. However, the charity says “many women” ignore the signs of a heart attack or report their symptoms as less intense than men.
Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, a preventative cardiologist and founder of The National Heart Clinic in London, says four important tests should be carried out to proactively protect heart health.
He said: “Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women yet many are unaware of the risk.
“Regular checks are vital in identifying problems early, often before symptoms appear. By monitoring key indicators women can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.”
High blood pressure increases the likelihood of serious conditions such as heart attacks or stroke (Image: Getty)
But he added: “These four tests should be carried out as standard once a woman reaches the age of 40 if they have no known risk factors. Earlier screening is warranted for anyone with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, autoimmune disease, PMOS, or other risk factors.”
Blood pressure
Dr Lo Monaco said: “Blood pressure is an important reading to take because it tells us the pressure of blood in your arteries. If the reading is high it can indicate hypertension, which is when blood pressure remains high even when at rest.
“High blood pressure can lead to arteries becoming stiff or narrow. This damage can increase the likelihood of serious conditions such as heart attacks or stroke.
“High blood pressure has no obvious symptoms so should be checked at least every year, and more frequently if the results are elevated or borderline.”
Lipid profile
A lipid profile is a test that measures levels of cholesterol. Having high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Dr Lo Monaco said: “A lipid profile or cholesterol panel should be done every five years if the results are normal, or more frequently if results are abnormal or the patient is high-risk.”
Fasting glucose test and HbA1c
Fasting glucose and HbA1c tests measure the levels of sugar in the blood and are common ways to determine whether someone has diabetes.
“These should be done every three years if normal, or annually if the patient is prediabetic or determined to be high risk,” Dr Lo Monaco continued.
BMI
A BMI test measures body mass index and can help to determine if a person is a healthy weight. As the results are not always accurate, Dr Lo Monaco says a waist circumference measurement should also be taken each year.
He said: “A waist circumference greater than 35 inches (88 cm) can indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease, so it’s also an important number to look at.”
Dr Lo Monaco says anyone with risk factors should look at having the tests more often.
He said: “Traditional risk factors which apply to everyone are hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and family history.
“There are also women-specific risk factors which are often overlooked, including pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, early menopause, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian syndrome, autoimmune diseases and history of breast cancer treatment.
“Psychological and inflammatory factors also matter. Chronic stress, depression and anxiety, poor sleep quality and chronic inflammatory conditions also deserve medical attention as part of cardiovascular risk assessment.”
Symptoms of a heart attack
Dr Lo Monaco says that if you have persistent symptoms, even if initial tests come back as “normal”, don’t be dismissed. He added: “You are your best advocate. Persistent symptoms deserve thorough evaluation, not dismissal.
“It’s also important to understand the difference between heart attack symptoms in men and women. I tell every woman patient, ‘If you experience unexplained, persistent fatigue that’s not normal for you, especially if accompanied by breathlessness, nausea, or discomfort anywhere in your upper body, don’t dismiss it. Call your doctor. If it’s severe or sudden, go to A&E.’”
Other warning signs include:
- Breathlessness (especially new or worsening)
- Pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, back, or upper abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting with upper body discomfort
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold sweats
- A sense that something is seriously wrong
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
