Cardiologist says every woman needs these 4 health checks at 40

Cardiologist says every woman needs these 4 health checks at 40 A preventative cardiologist has shared the four essential health checks every woman should have at 40 A cardiologist has revealed four health checks that women should undergo once they reach the age of 40. According to the specialist, these tests could help detect potential problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) warns that coronary heart disease, the main cause of heart attacks, kills twice as many women as breast cancer in the UK each year. Yet the charity says "many women" ignore the signs of a heart attack or report their symptoms as less intense than men. Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, a preventative cardiologist and founder of The National Heart Clinic in London, says four key tests should be undertaken to safeguard heart health. He said: "Heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women yet many are unaware of the risk. "Regular checks are vital in identifying problems early, often before symptoms appear. By monitoring key indicators women can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions." However, he added: "These four tests should be carried out as standard once a woman reaches the age of 40 if they have no known risk factors. Earlier screening is warranted for anyone with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, autoimmune disease, PMOS, or other risk factors." Blood pressure Dr Lo Monaco said: "Blood pressure is an important reading to take because it tells us the pressure of blood in your arteries. If the reading is high it can indicate hypertension, which is when blood pressure remains high even when at rest. "High blood pressure can lead to arteries becoming stiff or narrow. This damage can increase the likelihood of serious conditions such as heart attacks or stroke. "High blood pressure has no obvious symptoms so should be checked at least every year, and more frequently if the results are elevated or borderline." Lipid profile A lipid profile is a test measuring cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol can heighten the risk of heart attack or stroke. Dr Lo Monaco said: "A lipid profile or cholesterol panel should be done every five years if the results are normal, or more frequently if results are abnormal or the patient is high-risk." Fasting glucose test and HbA1c Fasting glucose and HbA1c tests measure blood sugar levels and are standard methods for determining whether someone has diabetes. "These should be done every three years if normal, or annually if the patient is prediabetic or determined to be high risk," Dr Lo Monaco continued. BMI A BMI test calculates body mass index and can help establish whether a person is a healthy weight. Since the results aren't always accurate, Dr Lo Monaco recommends a waist circumference measurement should also be taken each year. He said: "A waist circumference greater than 35 inches (88 cm) can indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease, so it's also an important number to look at." Dr Lo Monaco advises that anyone with risk factors should consider having the tests more frequently. He said: "Traditional risk factors which apply to everyone are hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and family history. "There are also women-specific risk factors which are often overlooked, including pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, early menopause, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian syndrome, autoimmune diseases and history of breast cancer treatment. "Psychological and inflammatory factors also matter. Chronic stress, depression and anxiety, poor sleep quality and chronic inflammatory conditions also deserve medical attention as part of cardiovascular risk assessment." Symptoms Dr Lo Monaco warns that if you experience persistent symptoms, even if initial tests return as "normal", you shouldn't allow yourself to be dismissed. He added: "You are your best advocate. Persistent symptoms deserve thorough evaluation, not dismissal. "It's also important to understand the difference between heart attack symptoms in men and women. I tell every woman patient, 'If you experience unexplained, persistent fatigue that's not normal for you, especially if accompanied by breathlessness, nausea, or discomfort anywhere in your upper body, don't dismiss it. Call your doctor. If it's severe or sudden, go to A&E.'" Additional warning signs to look out for include: - Breathlessness (especially new or worsening) - Pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, back, or upper abdomen - Nausea or vomiting with upper body discomfort - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Cold sweats - A sense that something is seriously wrong