This vital heart check should be performed annually

We all have our list of medical checkups we should perform regularly…

Skin checks, eye exams, physicals, and more.

But there’s one vital heart check that I perform on all my patients, especially as they get older. And it’s one that’s often overlooked…

Yet—missing it could prove to be dire.

Many seniors are at risk… without knowing it

I’m talking about an annual echocardiogram (or “echo” for short).

This is a simple ultrasoundؙ—now done with color and a 3D doppler—that looks at the heart and nearby blood vessels. It doesn’t involve radiation. And it only takes a few minutes to perform.

But the insight it provides is invaluable. It can even help diagnose asymptomatic heart valve disease.

According to a new study from the U.K., undiagnosed heart valve disease is highly common among otherwise healthy individuals.

In fact, researchers found heart valve disease in nearly 30 percent of older patients with no previously known heart issues or reasons for special heart scans.

Not to mention, prevalence tends to steadily increase with age.

The worst part is, early symptoms can be hard to detect—as they’re often quite subtle and include “normal” signs of aging, like reduced physical activity, fatigue, impaired mobility, and even shortness of breath on exertion.

But the disease can be fatal if left untreated, as it interrupts blood from flowing through the heart to the rest of the body—and causes your heart to work harder.

Ignorance is NOT bliss

Folks, as I always say, knowledge is power.

I have this conversation with patients at least a couple times per day.

And while I know many would rather not know what’s wrong with them—the ole’ “ignorance is bliss” theory—unless you have the data, how can you possibly make an educated decision about your health? Or plan for the future?

Wider screening for health valve disease would theoretically translate to more people receiving an earlier diagnosis.

This would allow them to start addressing modifying risk factors. And, in more severe cases, to consider medical therapy.

Let me also just say, there would be no need to panic if your ultrasound comes back with an indication of mild disease. That may just be the impetus you need to more consistently stay on top of your exercise, diet, nutritional supplements, and sleep regimen.

Finally, keep in mind that an echocardiogram will scan your four heart valves—aortic, mitral, pulmonary, or tricuspid—to help pinpoint any issues that may be otherwise flying under the radar.

P.S. While we’re talking about heart health, I encourage you to check out my Ultimate Heart-Health Protocol. Click here to learn more about this innovative, online learning tool.

Source:

“More Than 1 in 4 Seniors Have Asymptomatic Valve Disease.” MedPage Today, 06/27/2024. (medpagetoday.com/cardiology/prevention/110865)