Screening is done to find a health problem early and treat it. Tests are given to people who do not have symptoms but who may be at risk for the health problem.

There is no screening done for a heart attack. However, your risk for having one can be checked during a routine physical exam. This includes:

  • Checking blood pressure
  • Blood tests to check cholesterol and glucose levels
  • Body weight check—involves body mass index (BMI) and measuring around the waist
  • Questions about your lifestyle habits such as eating, smoking, exercise, and alcohol use

More testing may be needed depending on the results of the tests and exam.

REFERENCES:

Heart-health screenings. American Heart Association website. Available at: https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Heart-Health-Screenings_UCM_428687_Article.jsp#.VxE--02FMdU. Accessed March 26, 2019.

Metabolic syndrome in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113812/Metabolic-syndrome-in-adults. Updated March 29, 2018. Accessed March 26, 2019.

Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC  Last Updated: 3/26/2019