Don't wait for chest pain: 5 heart screenings that could save your life

“There are some potentially lifesaving tests that can help detect heart disease,” Dr. Marinescu said. “If you’re in your 40s, have a family history of heart disease, or have risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a past or current smoking habit, you may want to discuss these screenings with your doctor.”

These painless screening tests can take anywhere from five minutes to about an hour and can help detect blockages, poor blood flow or other irregularities — and put you on a path to better health.

1. EKG. A 12-lead EKG measures the electrical activity of your heart. Typically, this test is given to people who are exhibiting symptoms of chest pain. During the brief test, electrodes are placed on your chest. The test helps measure your heart rhythm and can indicate irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, if someone has an enlarged heart, or if there are any blockages present in the heart.
2. Echocardiogram. Using ultrasound, an echocardiogram provides a picture of your heart in action and shows your heart as it beats, the valves, and the size of your heart. Typically, doctors prescribe this screening as part of an advanced follow-up for patients who are exhibiting symptoms of heart disease. An echocardiogram will help your doctor see if there is any part of your heart that is not beating properly and could indicate if you’ve had a previous heart attack or if there is an issue with decreased blood flow.
3. Cardiac stress test. You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for this one. In this test, mainly recommended for people who have experienced cardiac symptoms, 12 leads will be placed on your chest again but you’ll be exercising on a treadmill instead of laying still. A stress test does what its name implies: it measures your heart’s activity while it’s under stress. Physicians use this test to try to replicate cardiac symptoms you may have felt before.
4. Heart scan. A heart scan is the safest and most accurate way to detect early calcium or plaque build-up in the coronary arteries. This is a simple, painless test and can be lifesaving. It is ideal for patients over the age of 40 who may have a higher risk of heart disease. The screening takes about 15 minutes and is done through a low-dose CT scan. This screening may also include a 30-minute consultation with a cardiac nurse and a blood pressure reading, glucose measure and lipid profile. Though you do not need a physician referral for this one, it is important to follow-up with your physician to review your test results.

5. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) screening. A PVD screening can help protect you from life-threatening events such as stroke, blood clots, heart attacks or aneurysms.

   “Screening is especially key if you have suspicious symptoms, such as calf pain while walking, or if you’re at higher risk for vascular disease due to obesity, smoking, diabetes or family history,” Dr. Marinescu said. The screening looks for problems in arteries outside the heart and brain, to see if there is any blockage in lower vessels in the legs. It may include a 30-minute consultation with a cardiac nurse and a blood pressure reading, glucose measure and lipid profile. Though you do not need a physician referral, follow-up with your physician to review your test results.

Discuss your heart health with your primary care doctor, including any symptoms you feel and screenings that may be appropriate.