You should be tested at least once a year using a blood-pressure cuff. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or other related conditions , your health care provider will recommend that your blood pressure be checked more often. Be sure to ask your health care provider how often you should have your blood pressure checked. You should have a blood test for cholesterol if you are a male and over 40, female and over 50 or post-menopausal, you have heart disease, stroke, diabetes or high blood pressure, your waist measures more than cm 40 in for men or 88 cm 35 in for women, you have a family history of heart disease or stroke.
Your health care provider can advise how often you should have your cholesterol tested. Blood sugar. Too much glucose can harm your blood vessels. If you have risk factors for diabetes or are pregnant, your blood sugar levels should be tested.
Speak to your health care provider about whether you need a blood sugar test. If your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, or blood sugar are too high, work with your health care provider to lower them. Most people can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and manage diabetes with lifestyle changes and medicine.
Your doctor can use an EKG to check for signs that you have had a previous heart attack that went undetected. This procedure can also be used to check for an irregular heart rhythm, structural problems within your heart or artery blockages in your heart. An EKG test involves placing electrodes on different areas of your chest and using these to measure electrical activity. This activity shows up on a graph, which your doctor will examine in order to check for irregularities or abnormalities.
You might be a good candidate for an EKG if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be signs of heart problems. Even without symptoms, you might be a suitable candidate if heart disease or other heart problems run in your family. EKG tests are considered safe for many patients. Changes in an ECG can be a sign of many heart-related conditions. An electrocardiogram ECG is a quick, easy way to assess the heart's function. Risks associated with ECG are minimal and rare.
You will not feel anything during the ECG, but it may be uncomfortable when the sticky electrodes are taken off. If the electrode patches are left on too long they may cause tissue breakdown or skin irritation. There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor before the test.
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with or affect the results of the ECG. These include, but are not limited to:. An electrocardiogram ECG may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your hospital stay. Steps may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices. You should be able to go back to your normal diet and activities, unless your doctor tells you differently. Tell your doctor if you develop any signs or symptoms you had before the ECG for example, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.
Your doctor may give you other instructions after the test, depending on your particular situation. If you have a new or existing heart problem, it's vital to see a doctor.
Our heart health checklist can help you determine when to seek care. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies.
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