Simple Screenings That Can Catch Heart Problems Early
Heart health matters — whether you’re chasing grandkids, working long days, or keeping up with yard work. In the South, we see more high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity than in many other parts of the country, so getting the right heart checks at the right time can make a big difference. The good news is most of those checks are simple, and finding problems early makes them easier to treat.
Dr. Shwan Jalal, MD, FACC
Dr. Umair Malik, MD, FACC
Blood Pressure
First, blood pressure checks are the easiest and most important. A cuff around your wrist or arm gives you a reading in a minute. High blood pressure usually doesn’t hurt or make you feel sick, but over time it strains the heart and can lead to heart attacks or strokes – that’s why it’s called “the silent killer.” Everyone should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, and more often if it’s high or if your doctor asks.
Cholesterol
A cholesterol test is a quick blood draw that measures “good” and “bad” fats in your blood. High LDL (the “bad” kind) can clog arteries over time. Most adults should start getting this tested in early adulthood and then on a schedule your doctor recommends. If your numbers are high, diet changes, exercise, and sometimes medicines can lower your risk.
Blood Sugar
Blood sugar tests or an A1c check can tell whether you have diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes raises the chance of heart disease a lot, but catching it early lets you control it with food, activity, and sometimes medication. Doctors often screen people with extra weight or other risk factors, and routine testing becomes more important as you get older.
Body Measures
Simple body measures, including your weight, height and waist size, give a quick sense of heart risk. Carrying extra weight, especially around the belly, is tied to higher chances of diabetes and high blood pressure. These measurements start the conversation about realistic steps to get healthier.
Additional screenings and tests
An EKG (or ECG) is a short test that records the heart’s electrical rhythm. It’s not needed for everyone, but it’s useful if you have odd heartbeats, fainting spells, chest pain, or if your doctor thinks you might have an arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation. Finding an irregular heartbeat is important because it can raise stroke risk, and simple treatments can help.
For people whose risk is unclear, doctors sometimes use extra tests. A coronary calcium scan is a low-dose CT scan that looks for plaque in heart arteries — it helps decide whether to start cholesterol medicines. Stress tests and echocardiograms (an ultrasound of the heart) are used when someone has symptoms like chest tightness or shortness of breath, or when other tests suggest trouble. The ankle-brachial index compares blood pressure at the ankle and arm to check for circulation problems in the legs, which can signal wider artery disease.
Talk with your doctor about which screenings fit your age, family history, and health. Bring a record of any home blood pressure readings or if a smartwatch has shown an irregular pulse. And remember: the basics matter. Quit smoking, move more, and eat a heart-friendly diet.
If you ever have sudden chest pain, pressure that spreads to the jaw or arm, severe shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or fainting, call 911 right away. These are emergency signs and should not wait for a routine visit.
Regular checkups and a few simple tests can catch trouble early and help you stay around for family, friends, and everything you love to do. Talk to your doctor and make a plan. Your heart will thank you.
If you’re ready to take control of your heart health, connect with Memorial’s heart care team. We’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you stay strong and healthy at every age.