Did you know that a heart screening could save your life?
By finding out some basic facts about your health, you can learn about your risk for heart disease – a leading cause of death in the United States – and how to keep your heart healthy over time.
Heart screenings measure key aspects of your health that affect your heart, like :
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Body mass index
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Blood Pressure
High blood pressure has no symptoms, but is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
During a heart screening, you can learn if your blood pressure is normal (120/80 mm Hg or lower), and what you can to do treat it if it’s high.
Cholesterol
Just like high blood pressure, high cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms.
A heart screening can check the levels of both HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in your blood, which also affects your heart health. Ideal total cholesterol is 200 or lower.
Body Mass Index
Body mass index (BMI) measures body fat, based on your height and weight.
On average, a healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. If your BMI is greater, your risk of heart disease is also greater.
Upcoming Heart Screening Events
Visit UPMC.com/CheckYourHeart for upcoming free heart screening events.
About Heart and Vascular Institute
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine. We strive to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge care for our patients, treating both common and complex conditions. We also offer services that seek to improve the health of our communities, including heart screenings, free clinics, and heart health education. Find an expert near you.