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According to the World Health Organization, heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death among adults worldwide. The United States is no exception, with about 700,000 people dying from the disease each year in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With numbers like these, it’s important to know what you can do to prevent and treat heart disease.

Although the symptoms can be devastating, heart disease is typically a silent killer with few symptoms. Fortunately, regular testing can reveal whether you’re at risk. Mercy Health is sharing an online assessment that you can use at home.

“The risk factors considered in the online assessment are very similar to those considered by your primary care physician or cardiologist,” says Tim Brennan, M.D., an interventional cardiac specialist at Mercy Health – Heart & Vascular Institute. states. “It’s a quick and easy way to get it.”

This tool answers questions about common risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

“Health assessment tools like this can help raise awareness among people who may not be aware of their high risk for cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Brennan said. “This tool can identify patients who may not have known they were at moderate or high risk for developing cardiovascular disease and get them the attention they need for screening.”

For example, if you have high blood pressure, it means you have high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. According to the CDC, a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure. This means that the systolic blood pressure is 130 millimeters of mercury and the diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg. Fortunately, you can fight high blood pressure by losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing salt and alcohol, and exercising.

Regarding cholesterol, you should refer to your recent blood tests or consult your doctor to schedule a test. According to the CDC, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as LDL, can double your risk of heart disease. This is because cholesterol deposits build up on artery walls and slow blood flow to vital organs. In some cases, the blood vessel closes almost completely, but in other cases, the deposits can dislodge and form a blood clot, which can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Mercy Health’s assessment tools can help you understand how these and other factors affect your risk of heart disease.

“This tool is suitable for everyone,” Dr. Brennan said. “It is anonymous except for providing a contact email if you wish. This tool can be used by individuals or filled out by loved ones concerned about their own cardiovascular risk. It is available to anyone who wants to know more.”

The tool also recommends next steps, including consulting a doctor if necessary. You can request an email with your results to use for your next booking.

“If a patient’s responses indicate they are at high risk during the physical exam, they can also provide contact information and call Mercy Health Heart & Health Center. Contact the Vascular Institute. , and will be seeing a cardiologist for follow-up,” Dr. Brennan said. “This tool is very easy to use. It only takes a few minutes to fill out.”

Visit Mercy.com/cincinnati and find cardiac risk assessment under “cardiology.”