Issues we never had to think about as young adults can now be serious threats to our quality of life, and we want to do everything we can to make sure our life is as long and as healthy as possible.

Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, is one of the top things we must look out for as we age. By eating healthy, exercising regularly, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, and cutting down on high-fat foods, we can help keep our hearts healthy.

But how do you know for sure that you're not at risk of heart disease? Your doctor has several early detection measures to let you know once and for all whether you have heart disease, as well as help you do something about it.

Routine Screenings

Do you get annual physical exams at your doctor's office? If not, now is the time to start! Routine physical screenings that include CDC blood tests, lipid panels, and more can clue you in to any potential red flags before they become problematic. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Specialty Screenings

If you are genetically predisposed to heart disease, you may wish to look into specialized tests to screen for potential cardiovascular issues. A CIMT, or carotid intima-media thickness, test is one such screening that could go a long way toward saving your life. The CIMT test measures the thickness of the inner two layers of your carotid artery, called the intima and the media, to determine whether there is any unusual thickening. A CIMT test can alert physicians to thickening before the patient even begins to experience symptoms of heart disease, giving them valuable time to help stop it in its tracks.

FH Testing

Familial hypercholesterolemia, or FH, is a genetic disease that can predispose you for cardiovascular disease. If you have a history of heart disease or coronary events in your family, it is wise to get tested for FH. A positive diagnosis can help your doctor put you on a treatment plan before you even start exhibiting heart disease symptoms.

By catching heart disease early, you can work with your doctor to reverse it before you even begin to exhibit symptoms. Early detection screening can help you catch an issue before it becomes major, giving you the information you need to start living a heart-healthy life.