How to know if you need a heart screening

This paid piece is sponsored by Sanford Health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. However, many forms of heart disease can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes and regular health screenings.

Dr. Tom Stys, an interventional cardiologist at the Sanford Cardiovascular Institute, answers commonly asked questions about heart disease and how to lower your risk.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease includes a range of conditions that keep the heart from adequately receiving, pumping or distributing blood. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, where plaque builds up in the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart. CAD can lead to chest pain and heart attack.

Who is at risk for heart disease?

Anyone can get heart disease. Some forms of heart disease are present at birth — congenital — while others develop over time. Like other diseases, the risk of developing heart disease is related to age and family history.

Those at increased risk include:

• Anyone who has high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
• Men over age 45 and women over age 55.
• Anyone whose father or brother had heart disease before age 55.
• Anyone whose mother or sister had heart disease before age 65.

Other risk factors are related to lifestyle and include:

• Being overweight.
• Eating an unhealthy diet.
• Not getting enough exercise.
• Smoking.

How can someone reduce their risk of heart disease?

During a wellness visit, your primary care provider can help you create a plan to manage or reduce your risk, which may include making changes to your diet, getting more exercise and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, along with other lifestyle changes.

In addition, general guidelines recommend heart and vascular screenings for everyone between the ages of 40 and 75. You should receive a vascular screening every three to five years and a heart screening every 10 years, unless an abnormal screening requires more frequent testing.

These painless tests give you a better look at the condition of your heart, veins and arteries so you can take proactive steps to keep your heart and vascular system healthy.

What is a heart screening?

A heart screening looks at the comprehensive health of your heart and may include a blood pressure check, cholesterol screening and body mass index measurement, along with other tests like an electrocardiogram and cardiac calcium scoring. These tests help you learn about your risk factors before a serious health event happens.

What is a vascular screening?

A vascular screening uses ultrasound imaging to check for obstacles in your veins that are preventing them from doing their job, including plaque buildup, blockages or aneurysms. These issues can lead to heart attack or stroke when they go undetected.

How much do heart and vascular screenings cost?

At the Sanford Center for Screening in Sioux Falls, heart and vascular screenings cost $25 each in February, November and December. In January and from March through October, each screening costs $50. To schedule your screenings, call 605-312-2150.