Cardiovascular Screening: What Tests Actually Predict Heart Risk

Demystifying Cardiovascular Screening: Beyond the Basics

When you think about heart health, what often comes to mind are dramatic events like heart attacks. However, long before such crises, your cardiovascular system may be sending subtle signals. Understanding these early warnings and proactively assessing your risk is the cornerstone of preventive cardiology. It’s not just about reacting to problems; it’s about anticipating them and taking control. This guide will walk you through the essential tests and strategies that truly predict your heart risk, moving beyond general check-ups to a more focused and effective approach.

You might be wondering, why bother with specialized cardiovascular screening if your regular physical seems fine? The truth is, many traditional check-up components offer a snapshot, but they don’t always delve deeply enough into the nuances of heart disease development. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and often, it progresses silently for years. By the time symptoms manifest, significant damage may have already occurred. This is why targeted screening is invaluable – it empowers you with knowledge, allowing you and your healthcare provider to implement timely interventions that can literally save your life or drastically improve your quality of life.

Consider your personal history and lifestyle. Do you have a family history of early heart disease? Do you experience stress regularly, or perhaps struggle with maintaining a healthy weight? These factors, often overlooked in a standard check-up, are critical pieces of the puzzle when it comes to assessing your heart risk. Specialized screenings aim to uncover the underlying physiological changes and genetic predispositions that can elevate your risk, even in the absence of overt symptoms. It’s about building a comprehensive picture, not just looking at isolated data points.

The Role of Risk Factors in Heart Health Prediction

Before diving into specific tests, it’s crucial to understand the foundation upon which all risk prediction models are built: your personal risk factors. You see, a single test rarely tells the whole story. Instead, medical professionals combine various markers and your individual characteristics to create a more accurate risk profile. This holistic approach is what truly allows for effective prediction and personalized prevention strategies.

Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

You have control over some risk factors, while others are simply part of your genetic inheritance or aging process. Understanding this distinction is key to focusing your efforts.

Modifiable Risk Factors: These are the aspects of your life you can actively change to reduce your heart disease risk. Think about things like high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (dyslipidemia), diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. You can work with your doctor, a nutritionist, or a fitness professional to address these. For instance, regular exercise can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, while dietary changes can help manage blood sugar and weight. These are powerful levers you can pull to dramatically impact your heart health trajectory.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: These are factors you cannot change, but they are still vital for your healthcare provider to consider when assessing your overall risk. They include your age (risk generally increases with age), sex (men often develop CVD earlier than women, though women’s risk increases significantly after menopause), and family history of early heart disease. If a close relative (parent, sibling) had a heart attack or stroke before age 55 for men or age 65 for women, your own risk is higher. Knowing these factors doesn’t mean you’re helpless; it simply means that if you have several non-modifiable risk factors, addressing your modifiable ones becomes even more critical.

Why Early Identification of Risk Factors Matters

Identifying these risk factors early, even before you experience any symptoms, allows for proactive management. Imagine if you discover you have moderately high blood pressure in your 30s. Instead of waiting for it to become severe and potentially lead to organ damage, you can start making lifestyle changes or even begin medication if necessary. This early intervention can prevent or delay the onset of significant cardiovascular events later in life. It’s about playing offense, not just defense, when it comes to your heart.

Furthermore, some risk factors, like high cholesterol, often have no noticeable symptoms until they’ve caused significant damage. A simple blood test can reveal these issues years in advance, giving you ample time to implement strategies to lower your levels and protect your arteries. This preventative mindset is at the core of effective cardiovascular screening.

In the realm of cardiovascular health, understanding which tests can accurately predict heart risk is crucial for effective prevention and management. A related article that delves deeper into this topic is available at Cardiovascular Screening: What Tests Actually Predict Heart Risk. This resource provides valuable insights into the various screening methods and their efficacy in assessing cardiovascular risk, helping individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding heart health.

Core Laboratory Tests for Heart Health Assessment

When you visit your doctor for a heart health assessment, several key blood tests will likely be ordered. These provide crucial insights into your metabolic health and inflammatory status, offering direct clues about your cardiovascular risk. You might think these are just standard tests, but when interpreted in the context of your overall health profile, they become powerful predictive tools.

Lipid Panel: Unpacking Your Cholesterol Story

The lipid panel is perhaps one of the most well-known and foundational tests for assessing heart risk. You’ve probably heard terms like “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol,” and this test gives you the numbers behind those labels.

Components of a Lipid Panel and Their Significance

Total Cholesterol: This is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. While it provides a general idea, it’s the breakdown of this total that truly matters. A high total cholesterol number in isolation isn’t as informative as knowing the specific fractions.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of LDL contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries (atherosclerosis). When too much LDL is present, it can infiltrate the arterial walls, leading to inflammation and hardening. The goal for most individuals is to keep their LDL levels low, especially if other risk factors are present. For people with existing heart disease or very high risk, even lower targets are often recommended.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: This is your “good” cholesterol. HDL helps carry excess cholesterol from your arteries back to the liver for removal, thus preventing plaque buildup. Higher levels of HDL are generally associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Think of it as the “scavenger” that cleans up your arteries.

Triglycerides: These are a type of fat found in your blood. High triglyceride levels, especially when combined with high LDL and low HDL, can increase your risk of heart disease. They are often elevated by diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.

You should undergo a lipid panel typically after a 9-12 hour fast to ensure accurate results. The interpretation of these numbers isn’t always straightforward and depends heavily on your other risk factors. For example, a slightly elevated LDL might be less concerning for someone with no other risk factors than for someone who smokes, has high blood pressure, and a family history of early heart disease. Your doctor will use these numbers in conjunction with risk calculators to determine your personalized risk and recommend appropriate interventions.

Blood Glucose Tests: The Diabetes-Heart Connection

Diabetes and pre-diabetes are significant risk factors for heart disease. High blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels and nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. Therefore, screening for issues with glucose metabolism is a critical part of cardiovascular risk assessment.

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): This test measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (typically 8-12 hours). It’s a common screening test for diabetes and pre-diabetes. Elevated fasting glucose indicates that your body isn’t effectively managing blood sugar, which can contribute to arterial damage over time. A normal fasting glucose is less than 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100-125 mg/dL suggest pre-diabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests typically indicates diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Unlike FPG, you don’t need to fast for this test. HbA1c is excellent for long-term monitoring and for diagnosing diabetes or pre-diabetes, as it reflects how well your blood sugar has been controlled over time. A normal HbA1c is below 5.7%. Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate pre-diabetes, and 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.

Understanding these results helps your doctor assess your risk of diabetes-related cardiovascular complications. If you have pre-diabetes, early lifestyle changes can often prevent or delay the progression to full-blown diabetes, thereby significantly reducing your heart risk.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP): An Inflammatory Marker

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. While general inflammation can be caused by many things, consistently elevated levels of hs-CRP can be a marker for underlying vascular inflammation.

Why hs-CRP Matters for Heart Risk

High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a measure of general inflammation in your body. While it’s not specific to the heart, consistently elevated levels, particularly in individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors, have been shown to predict future cardiovascular events. It suggests that there might be ongoing inflammation in your arteries, even if you don’t have obvious symptoms.

Low Risk: Less than 1.0 mg/L
Average Risk: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L
High Risk: Greater than 3.0 mg/L

It’s important to note that hs-CRP can also be elevated due to infections, injuries, or other inflammatory conditions, so a single elevated reading needs to be interpreted in the context of your overall health. However, when persistently high without other clear causes, it adds another layer to your risk assessment, suggesting a need for more aggressive risk factor management.

Advanced Non-Invasive Imaging and Function Tests

Beyond blood tests, several non-invasive tests can provide a deeper look at the structure and function of your heart and blood vessels. These tests often become more relevant if you have multiple risk factors, a strong family history, or specific symptoms that warrant further investigation. They help visualize the “hardware” of your cardiovascular system.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Your Heart’s Electrical Symphony

An electrocardiogram is a quick, painless test that records the electrical signals of your heart. It’s one of the most fundamental tests in cardiology.

What an ECG Reveals About Your Heart

An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart, providing information about:

Heart Rate and Rhythm: It can detect if your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly (arrhythmias). For example, it can identify conditions like atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk.
Evidence of Previous Heart Attack: While not a primary screening tool for future risk, an ECG can show signs of past heart damage, even if you weren’t aware of having a heart attack. This indicates existing damage that impacts future risk.
Enlargement of the Heart Chambers: It can give clues about whether any of your heart’s chambers are enlarged or strained, which could be due to conditions like high blood pressure or valve problems.
Supply of Blood and Oxygen to the Heart Muscle: Certain patterns on an ECG can suggest areas of the heart muscle that aren’t receiving enough blood, indicating potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

While a routine ECG in asymptomatic individuals without risk factors isn’t always recommended as a primary screening tool, it’s often included in comprehensive check-ups and is essential if you have symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. It provides a baseline and can be a valuable indicator of existing cardiovascular issues.

Stress Test (Exercise Electrocardiogram): Assessing Heart Performance Under Strain

A stress test evaluates how your heart performs when it’s working harder, mimicking the demands placed on it during physical activity. This is often done on a treadmill or stationary bike.

How a Stress Test Predicts Future Risk

During a stress test, you’ll walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are continuously monitored.

Detection of Ischemia: The primary goal is to look for signs of ischemia – reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. If your coronary arteries are narrowed, they might provide enough blood at rest, but not when your heart demands more during exercise. An ECG can then pick up changes indicating this lack of adequate blood supply.
Exercise Capacity: Your ability to exercise and the onset of symptoms (like chest pain or shortness of breath) during the test provide valuable information about your heart’s functional capacity and overall cardiovascular fitness. Poor exercise tolerance can be an independent predictor of future heart events.
Blood Pressure Response: How your blood pressure responds to exercise can also be indicative. An abnormal rise or fall can suggest underlying issues.

A stress test is often recommended if you have symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease, or if you have multiple risk factors and your doctor wants to assess your functional capacity and look for silent ischemia. It helps your doctor determine if further, more invasive tests are needed.

Echocardiogram: A Window into Your Heart’s Structure and Function

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. It uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart, allowing your doctor to see its structure and how well it’s pumping.

Visualizing Heart Function and Structural Issues

An echocardiogram provides detailed information about:

Heart Chamber Size and Shape: It can detect if any of your heart’s chambers are enlarged or have an abnormal shape, which can be caused by conditions like high blood pressure, valve problems, or previous heart attacks.
Pumping Strength (Ejection Fraction): This is a crucial measure of how well your heart is pumping blood out to your body. A reduced ejection fraction indicates impaired heart function.
Valve Function: It can assess if your heart valves are opening and closing properly. Leaky or narrowed valves can put extra strain on your heart.
Blood Flow Through the Heart: Doppler echocardiography can measure the speed and direction of blood flow, helping to identify blockages or abnormal flow patterns.
Pericardial Disease: It can detect issues with the sac surrounding your heart (pericardium).

While not a standard screening test for everyone, an echocardiogram is essential if you have murmurs, shortness of breath, swelling, or other symptoms that suggest structural heart problems. It offers a detailed anatomical and functional assessment that complements other screening tests.

Vascular Screening: Looking Beyond the Heart Muscle

Cardiovascular disease isn’t just about the heart itself; it’s also about the vast network of blood vessels throughout your body. Assessing the health of your arteries can provide direct evidence of atherosclerosis and predict your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Carotid Artery Ultrasound: Assessing Stroke Risk

Your carotid arteries are major blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to your brain. Atherosclerosis in these arteries can lead to stroke.

Detecting Plaque and Narrowing in Neck Arteries

A carotid artery ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the carotid arteries. It can detect:

Plaque Buildup (Atherosclerosis): The presence, size, and characteristics of plaque in these arteries. Plaque can restrict blood flow or, more dangerously, rupture and cause a blood clot that travels to the brain, leading to a stroke.
Stenosis (Narrowing): The degree of narrowing in the arteries caused by plaque. Significant narrowing can severely impede blood flow.
Blood Flow Velocity: How quickly blood is flowing through the arteries. Abnormal flow patterns can indicate blockages.

This test is particularly important if you have risk factors for stroke (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking), have a family history of stroke, or have symptoms suggestive of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke. It helps your doctor assess your risk of future stroke and guide appropriate management, including medication or, in some cases, surgical interventions.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A Peripheral Window to Heart Health

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a simple, non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in your ankles to the blood pressure in your arms. It’s used to screen for peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Systemic Atherosclerosis

PAD is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, most commonly your legs. A low ABI indicates that the blood pressure in your ankles is lower than in your arms, suggesting blockages in the arteries of your legs.

ABI Interpretation:
1.0-1.4: Normal
0.91-0.99: Borderline
0.41-0.90: Mild to moderate PAD
<0.40: Severe PAD

Why does PAD matter for heart risk? Because PAD is a strong indicator of widespread atherosclerosis throughout your body. If you have narrowed arteries in your legs, it’s highly likely you have narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) and brain (carotid artery disease) as well. Therefore, a low ABI significantly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death.

This test is recommended for individuals over 50 who smoke or have diabetes, or for anyone over 65, and those with symptoms of PAD like leg pain during walking (claudication). It’s a quick and inexpensive way to identify systemic arterial disease.

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score: Quantifying Plaque Burden

The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score is a highly predictive test that uses a specialized CT scan to detect and quantify calcified plaque in your coronary arteries.

The Power of a Zero or High CAC Score

Unlike an angiogram, which looks at blockages, a CAC scan looks for the actual presence of calcium deposits, which are a hallmark of atherosclerosis.

How it Works: The scan takes images of your heart without injecting any dye. A computer then analyzes the images to identify and measure calcium deposits in your coronary arteries.
CAC Score Interpretation: The score ranges from 0 to over 400.
Score of 0: Indicates no calcified plaque. This is associated with a very low risk of a heart attack over the next 5-10 years. It’s often referred to as a “warranty against heart attack.”
Score 1-99: Mild plaque.
Score 100-399: Moderate plaque.
Score 400+: Extensive plaque.

The higher your CAC score, the greater your amount of calcified plaque and the higher your risk of future heart events. This test is particularly valuable for individuals who are at intermediate risk based on traditional risk factor assessment (e.g., those with a family history but no strong symptoms). A CAC score can reclassify an individual’s risk, moving them into a higher or lower risk category and thus guiding more aggressive or less aggressive management strategies. For example, a person with an intermediate risk and a CAC score of 0 might be reassured and advised to continue lifestyle modifications, while someone with the same risk profile but a high CAC score might be recommended for statin therapy and more intensive monitoring. It’s a powerful tool for personalized risk assessment.

Cardiovascular screening is essential for assessing heart health, but understanding which tests truly predict heart risk can be complex. For those looking to delve deeper into this topic, a related article offers valuable insights into various screening methods and their effectiveness. By exploring the nuances of these tests, readers can better navigate their heart health journey. To learn more about effective cardiovascular screening, you can check out this informative article on Everprime Care.

Emerging and Specialized Biomarkers

Test	Purpose	Predictive Value for Heart Risk	Common Use	Limitations
Blood Pressure Measurement	Detect hypertension	High predictive value for cardiovascular events	Routine screening	Can vary with stress, activity
Cholesterol Panel (LDL, HDL, Total Cholesterol)	Assess lipid levels	Strong predictor of atherosclerosis and heart disease	Routine screening in adults	Does not capture all risk factors
High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP)	Measure inflammation	Moderate predictor; adds value in intermediate risk patients	Supplemental test	Non-specific inflammation marker
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score	Detect calcified plaque in coronary arteries	High predictive value for coronary events	Used in intermediate risk patients	Radiation exposure; cost
Electrocardiogram (ECG)	Assess heart rhythm and ischemia	Low to moderate predictive value for future events	Baseline and symptomatic evaluation	May miss silent ischemia
Stress Testing (Exercise or Pharmacologic)	Detect inducible ischemia	Moderate predictive value in symptomatic patients	Symptomatic evaluation	Less useful in asymptomatic low-risk patients
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT)	Measure arterial wall thickness	Limited predictive value; not routinely recommended	Research and select cases	Operator dependent; variability

Beyond the standard lipid and glucose tests, research continues to uncover new biomarkers that offer additional layers of information about your cardiovascular risk. These tests are often used in more complex cases or for individuals with unexplained risk.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: A Potent Genetic Risk Factor

Lipoprotein(a) is a unique type of LDL cholesterol that is largely genetically determined and not significantly affected by diet or lifestyle. It’s an independent risk factor for heart disease.

Understanding a Lesser-Known, Yet Significant, Lipid

Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even in individuals with otherwise healthy cholesterol profiles. You should consider getting your Lp(a) level checked at least once in your lifetime, especially if you have:

A strong family history of early cardiovascular disease.
Recurrent cardiovascular events despite optimal management of other risk factors.
High LDL cholesterol that is difficult to manage.
Unexplained early atherosclerosis.

While there aren’t currently many targeted treatments specifically for high Lp(a), knowing your level can influence how aggressively other modifiable risk factors (like LDL cholesterol and blood pressure) are managed. It’s a crucial piece of genetic information that informs your overall risk picture.

NT-proBNP: Assessing Heart Failure Risk

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a hormone released by the heart in response to stretching and stress. Elevated levels indicate increased pressure within the heart chambers, often a sign of heart failure.

Early Detection of Heart Strain and Failure

While not primarily a screening tool for atherosclerosis, NT-proBNP is invaluable for assessing and managing heart failure, a common and severe complication of long-standing heart disease.

Diagnosis and Prognosis: It helps in diagnosing heart failure, especially when symptoms are vague, and in assessing its severity and prognosis.
Monitoring Treatment: Levels can be monitored to see how well treatment for heart failure is working.

You would typically have an NT-proBNP test if you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling, which could indicate heart failure. Elevated levels warrant further investigation, such as an echocardiogram, to understand the underlying cause of the heart strain.

Crafting Your Personalized Screening Plan

You’ve learned about a range of powerful cardiovascular screening tests, from basic blood work to advanced imaging. But which tests are right for you? This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to partner with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized screening plan based on your unique risk factors, age, symptoms, and preferences.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Before any specific tests are ordered, your doctor will perform a comprehensive risk assessment. This involves:

Taking a Detailed Medical History: This includes questions about your past health issues, medications, and any symptoms you’re experiencing (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, leg pain).
Family History Review: You’ll be asked about heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high cholesterol in your parents, siblings, and other close relatives, especially if they occurred at an early age.
Lifestyle Assessment: Your doctor will inquire about your diet, physical activity levels, smoking status, alcohol consumption, stress levels, and sleep patterns.
Physical Examination: This will include measuring your blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, and listening to your heart and lungs.

Based on this information, your doctor will calculate your 10-year and lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease using established risk calculators (e.g., ASCVD Risk Estimator). This initial assessment guides the selection of appropriate screening tests. For example, if you have very few risk factors, a basic lipid panel and blood pressure monitoring might suffice. If you have multiple risk factors or a strong family history, more advanced tests might be recommended earlier.

When to Consider Specific Tests Based on Risk Factors

Different tests become more relevant at different stages of life or with the presence of specific risk factors:

Routine for Most Adults (starting in 20s or 30s):
Blood Pressure Monitoring: At every doctor’s visit.
Lipid Panel: Every 4-6 years for adults with normal risk, more frequently with risk factors.
Fasting Glucose or HbA1c: Every 3 years for adults over 45, or earlier/more frequently if overweight/obese with other risk factors.

Consider if you have intermediate risk (e.g., 5-7.5% 10-year ASCVD risk) or specific concerns:
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP): Can help reclassify intermediate-risk individuals.
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score: Particularly useful for individuals at intermediate risk who are unsure about starting statin therapy. A zero score can provide reassurance, while a higher score can justify more aggressive treatment.
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: If you have a strong family history of early CVD or unexplained events.

Consider if you have symptoms, high risk, or specific conditions:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): If you have symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or for pre-surgical clearance.
Stress Test: If you have symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease, or if you have multiple risk factors and your doctor wants to assess functional capacity.
Echocardiogram: If you have murmurs, symptoms of heart failure, or other signs of structural heart disease.
Carotid Artery Ultrasound: If you have symptoms of TIA/stroke, significant carotid bruit, or multiple stroke risk factors.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): If you are over 50 and smoke/have diabetes, or over 65, or have leg pain during walking.

Partnering with Your Healthcare Provider

Ultimately, your journey to optimal heart health screening is a collaborative one. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor questions about why certain tests are being recommended (or not recommended) for you. Discuss your concerns, your family history, and your lifestyle. Be an active participant in your care.

Remember, the goal of cardiovascular screening isn’t just to find disease; it’s to predict your risk early enough so that you can make informed decisions and take proactive steps to prevent it. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes, medication, or ongoing monitoring, empowering yourself with knowledge about your heart’s health is the most valuable investment you can make. Your heart will thank you for it.

FAQs

What is cardiovascular screening?

Cardiovascular screening is a process of assessing an individual’s risk of developing heart disease or experiencing a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Which tests are commonly used in cardiovascular screening?

Common tests used in cardiovascular screening include blood pressure measurement, cholesterol level testing, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, and imaging tests like echocardiograms or CT scans.

What tests are most effective in predicting heart risk?

Tests that are most effective in predicting heart risk include measuring blood pressure, cholesterol levels (especially LDL and HDL cholesterol), and assessing for diabetes. These tests provide valuable information about an individual’s cardiovascular health.

How often should someone undergo cardiovascular screening?

The frequency of cardiovascular screening depends on individual risk factors and medical history. Generally, adults should have their cardiovascular risk assessed at least every 4-6 years, but those with risk factors may need more frequent screenings.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help reduce heart risk?

Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce heart risk. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.