According to doctors, early detection of cardiovascular risks in women can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent disease more effectively.
Here are four key tests every woman over the age of 20 should have:
1. Blood pressure monitoring
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but often shows no symptoms until significant damage has occurred, says Dr. Mukesh Goel, a cardiothoracic and heart-lung transplant surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Therefore, women should have their blood pressure checked regularly starting at age 20. If the results are normal, they should be tested annually. However, more frequent monitoring is needed for those with high blood pressure or other risk factors, such as a family history of high blood pressure.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart failure, kidney damage and stroke, so keeping blood pressure at a healthy level (below 120/80 mmHg) is important.
2. Monitor Cholesterol (Lipid) levels
Dr Deepankar Vatsa, a cardiologist at Yatharth Hospital, India, said high cholesterol is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and early management through lifestyle changes or medication can prevent complications.
Monitoring cholesterol levels helps assess your risk of heart disease, as high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
“Cholesterol screening should begin at age 20 for women with risk factors such as obesity or a family history of heart disease. If there are no risk factors, testing can begin at age 45 and should be repeated every four to six years if results are within the normal range,” said Dr. Deepankar Vatsa.
3. Blood sugar or HbA1c test
High blood sugar, even in the pre-diabetic range, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Early detection can lead to intervention through diet, exercise, and possibly medication.
If there are risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, screening for diabetes or insulin resistance through fasting blood glucose or HbA1c testing should begin in your 20s.
In the absence of risk factors, screening should be performed every three years, with annual testing recommended for those at higher risk.
4. Measure body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is a simple calculation that uses height and weight to assess whether a person is within a healthy weight range.
Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, contributing to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, notes Dr. Deepankar Vatsa.
Regular BMI monitoring starting in her 20s will help better understand whether a woman is at risk for obesity-related heart disease.
