Normal Cholesterol and Blood Pressure? You May Still Need This Heart Scan, Cardiologists Say

When it comes to heart health, prevention is the name of the game. Cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes are more than 75% preventable by having healthy diet and lifestyle habits in place.

You likely already know the basics of how to do this. Not using tobacco, consistently getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating a heart-healthy diet are all ways to lower your risk of adverse heart conditions.

Knowing your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers is also important. That way, you can change your habits or get access to cholesterol and blood pressure-lowering medications, if you need them. For many, these medications can truly be lifesaving. For people with hereditary high cholesterol, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle alone isn’t enough to manage their cholesterol; medications also play a crucial role.