Cardiovascular Health Screenings Performed at Optimum Direct Care in Orlando, FL
Regular cardiovascular health screenings play an important role in managing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Based on your age, medical history, fitness level, and overall health, a primary care doctor can recommend an appropriate screening program for you.
Of course, you’ll receive the best recommendations from a doctor who knows you well. That’s one reason you should consider joining Optimum Direct Care, a direct primary care practice in Orlando, Florida. For a set monthly membership fee, you’ll have unlimited access to our board-certified family practice physician, Dr. Toni “Muzzi” Muzzonigro, who will get to know you personally.
To help you take charge of your heart health, Dr. Muzzi may recommend regular diagnostic testing, such as:
Blood Pressure Testing
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it often produces no symptoms. Therefore, the best way to find out if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure measured on a regular basis. If your blood pressure is normal (less than 120/80 mm Hg), Dr. Muzzi may recommend annual cardiovascular screening tests; if it is higher, she may suggest more frequent testing.
Cholesterol Testing
A blood test known as a fasting lipoprotein profile measures total cholesterol and also provides a breakdown between LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. Dr. Muzzi may recommend this type of cholesterol testing every four to six years, or more often if she determines that you have a higher-than-normal risk of heart attack or stroke.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculation
Based on your height and weight, Dr. Muzzi can calculate your body mass index (BMI), which she can then use to determine if you are at a healthy body weight. This is important because excess pounds and obesity can greatly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and many other health problems.
Blood Glucose Testing
High blood glucose (blood sugar) levels increase the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Untreated diabetes, in turn, can lead to many serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. If you’re overweight and have at least one other cardiovascular risk factor, Dr. Muzzi may recommend blood glucose testing.
If the results of your cardiovascular health screenings are less than ideal, don’t worry; it doesn’t mean a heart attack or stroke is inevitable. Based on this valuable information, Dr. Muzzi can provide personalized guidance to help you make positive lifestyle changes that will reduce your risk of heart disease and ultimately enhance your health.
To inquire about joining our DPC practice in Orlando, FL, contact Optimum Direct Care today.