Your heart works nonstop, keeping every part of your body functioning, yet heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Many people don't realize their risk of heart disease until it's too late, but fortunately, you can take control with preventative screenings. These screenings detect early warning signs and enable timely action.

At Valle del Sol, we support proactive heart health not just during American Heart Month but year-round. Early detection empowers you to make informed lifestyle changes and seek the medical care you need to stay healthy. Keep reading to discover:

• Why preventive screenings are key to heart health
• Essential screenings for heart disease prevention
• Heart health screenings by age group
• Success stories: The impact of early detection
• Local resources for preventive screenings

Early detection saves lives — plain and simple. Preventative screenings give you the chance to take full control of your health with targeted changes or necessary medical interventions.

Preventive Care for a Healthy Heart Starts Here — Contact Valle del Sol!

With more than 50 years of creating a healthier community, Valle del Sol remains committed to making preventative care accessible and effective for everyone. Schedule a heart health screening today to celebrate American Heart Month and enhance your overall well-being.

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Why Preventive Screenings Are Key to Heart Health

Heart disease often progresses silently, with no symptoms in the early stages. Regular screenings help identify hidden risks before they lead to serious complications. Catching high cholesterol, hypertension, or abnormal blood sugar levels allows for intervention — whether through diet, exercise, medication, or other treatments.

• Cholesterol screening: Measures LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol. High LDL levels contribute to blocked arteries, increasing risks of heart attacks and strokes.
• Blood pressure screening: Detects hypertension, a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Even without symptoms, high blood pressure can damage your arteries over time.
• Glucose testing: Looks for elevated blood sugar levels that can indicate diabetes, which significantly raises heart disease risks. Monitoring glucose levels helps prevent later complications.

Other Essential Screenings for Heart Disease Prevention

Preventative care involves several straightforward but critical tests that assess your heart health. These screenings, along with the ones described above, work together to provide a complete picture of your general health, focusing on your heart in particular. These include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluates heart rhythm and detects any abnormalities that may lead to bigger issues
• Body Mass Index (BMI): Assesses weight-related risks like obesity, which often contribute to heart conditions

Heart Health Screenings by Age Group

Your heart health needs evolve over time. Regular checkups tailored to your age group ensure early intervention and support long-term wellness.

• 20s and 30s: Though many younger adults feel invincible, issues like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels often develop early — and without any symptoms. Routine blood pressure checks and cholesterol screenings every 4 to 6 years help you monitor long-term risks. Staying active, eating a heart-healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight may mitigate future risks.
• 40s and 50s: As your metabolism slows and lifestyle habits solidify, your risk of heart disease increases. At this stage, adding glucose testing to routine cholesterol and blood pressure screenings helps identify early signs of diabetes. If you have other risk factors like obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease, consider more frequent screenings and making healthy lifestyle changes.
• 60s and older: Heart health becomes a major factor in your golden years, making more frequent screenings for detection and management of heart issues essential. Your doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heart's rhythm and detect potential irregularities like atrial fibrillation.

Success Stories: The Impact of Early Detection

When Susan, a 52-year-old mother of two, visited Valle del Sol for a routine cholesterol screening, she never expected results that showed high LDL levels. With early detection, she made dietary changes, added daily walks, and started prescribed medication. Her cholesterol stabilized within months, preventing serious complications. Susan's story demonstrates how preventative screenings save lives by helping you take charge of your health early enough to avoid future risks and boost your quality of life.

Local Resources for Preventive Screenings

At Valle del Sol, we provide affordable, accessible preventive care. Since 1970, we've been committed to empowering healthier communities with high-quality, accredited screenings. We accept Medicare and Medicaid, making heart health screenings available to everyone.

Our services include:

• Cholesterol screening
• Blood pressure checks
• Glucose monitoring
• ECGs and BMI assessments

Take Charge of Your Heart Health With Valle del Sol — Schedule Your Screening Today!

Prioritize your heart health with proactive screenings from Valle del Sol. Our preventive screenings empower you to live your healthiest, happiest life. Book an appointment today and join a community that's dedicated to your total wellness.

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