To stay heart healthy, it’s important to keep track of your numbers by getting screened regularly.
If you're an adult age 20 or older, use this table (approved by the American Heart Association) to keep track of which tests you should have done and how often. After your screenings, talk to your doctor about your numbers.
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Recommended Screening
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How Often?
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Starting When?
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Blood pressure
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Each regular healthcare visit or at least once every 2 years if blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg
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Age 20
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Cholesterol (“fasting lipoprotein profile” to measure total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides)
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Every 5 years for normal-risk people; more often if any of the following apply to you:
• total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL
• you are a man over age 45 or a woman over age 50
• your HDL (good) cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL (if you're a man) or less than 50 mg/dL (if you're a woman)
• you have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke
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Age 20
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Weight (body mass index)
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Each regular healthcare visit
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Age 20
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Waist Circumference
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As needed to help evaluate cardiovascular risk
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Age 20
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Blood glucose test
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Every 3 years
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Age 45
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Above content provided by the American Heart Association in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. For advice about your medical care, consult your doctor.
Posted February 2010