Supporting your Heart Health with Preventative Screening and Testing
Holter Monitoring and Electrocardiograms (ECG)
These tests are two simple ways to measure the rhythm of your heart and better understand your overall heart health.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
Often a more reliable measurement than a single blood-pressure reading, a 24-hour ABPM may be recommended by your health care provider if:
• You have a family history of hypertension
• Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
• Have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease
The Omega-3 test measures the levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. Studies have shown measuring Omega-3 fatty acids can indicate the risk for cardiovascular events.
The MPO and PLAC® tests help predict risk of heart attack and stroke, and are usually combined with a lipid panel to assess arterial inflammation in individuals with a higher risk. Download LifeLabs’ Cardiac Health brochure by clicking here to learn more about these tests.
Fast facts about heart disease
• Heart disease is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations in Canada. According to the latest reports, more than 100,000 cases are diagnosed each year, and currently about 750,000 people live with a heart condition.
• Nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for stroke or heart disease
• Almost 80% of premature stroke and heart disease can be prevented through following a healthy lifestyle.
• Risk factors of heart disease are often related to medical conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, and heart arrythmias (atrial fibrillation). These conditions can be serious and can be identified through diagnostic testing and monitoring.
• Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack can save a life. Symptoms of heart disease may include:
1. Shortness of breath or fatigue, that occur with physical activity or emotional stress but go away with rest.
2. Severe symptoms that don’t go away, like chest pain/pressure, nausea, indigestion, or heart burn, along with sweating, palpitations, or the feeling you may pass out. If you experience these symptoms you should seek emergency medical attention or call 911 immediately.
References
1. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Heart Disease. www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/risk-and-prevention
2. Mayo Clinic. Heart Failure. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142