Health Screening Examinations in Cardiovascular Risk Estimation

The most important elements in prevention of cardiovascular (and cerebrovascular) dis- eases are screening and managing the risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol or high blood glucose etc.. The best way to find out the personal specific risk profile is through screening tests during annual doctor visits. Regular cardiovascu- lar and cerebrovascular screenings are very important because they help detect the risk factors in their earliest and asymptomatic stages. This way, the patients can treat their risk factors with lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapies, if appropriate, before it ulti- mately leads to the development of cardiovascular disease. For many patients, screening results can serve as a wake-up call. When the regular test comes back and the patient sees and understands the abnormal parameters, it becomes extremely personal. The idea of making lifestyle changes is not just a recommendation in a pamphlet; it is something that can impact the patient’s whole life, habits and health. The best way for optimal health benefits is through regular cardiovascular screening tests beginning at age 20. Because of very high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, early and regular screen- ings could be a basic element of preventive health care