Why Heart Health Screenings Could Save Your Life

Photography by James Moore

Regular Checkups and Simple Tests Can Prevent Life-Threatening Conditions

Screen Test: The One Type of Screening You Shouldn’t Skip

While mental health experts continue to stress the importance of reducing screen time, there’s one kind of screening that doctors urge you not to cut back on—heart health screenings. These simple yet essential tests can be lifesaving, according to local physicians.

Many adults gamble with their health, even when experiencing symptoms that could indicate a serious problem.

“Most commonly what I'm seeing here is that patients do not present to their doctor’s office for their annual tests, which are great opportunities to have screening tests done such as blood work and blood pressure checks,” said Ryan Vaisler, M.D. “At that point, we’re also checking tobacco intake, alcohol intake, food intake, and exercise. Those are all very important indicators for heart health.

“The other thing that we see very frequently is that people are not listening to their bodies when their bodies are telling them something. Chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath when doing activities, and worsening upper abdominal pain are all indicators that there may be something wrong with the heart.”

Heart Disease: The Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim more lives than cancer and accidental deaths combined—approximately 942,000 deaths per year.

Given these alarming statistics, Vaisler stresses the importance of regular checkups and screenings that can improve quality of life and, in many cases, save lives.

“Heart health starts with getting people to their doctors so they can have these basic screenings done,” he said. “That includes blood pressure checks—with a goal of keeping blood pressure below 120/80—and cholesterol tests at least once every four years for normal-risk adults, or more frequently for those at higher risk.

“We also check weight, blood glucose levels, and diabetes risk, as these factors play a significant role in cardiovascular health. Smoking, lack of physical activity, and poor diet all contribute to heart disease, and it’s all connected.”

Advancements in Heart Health Technology

Technology has made heart health screenings easier and more accurate than ever.

“The biggest advancements we're seeing involve 3D imaging of coronary arteries, better clarity in heart ultrasounds, and the development of bedside ultrasound devices that allow physicians to check the heart without requiring large machines,” Vaisler said.

“These handheld ultrasound devices can be used in walk-in clinics, urgent care centers, emergency rooms, and physician offices. They’re changing the way we approach heart health because they allow us to detect issues such as valve dysfunction, arterial calcification, and abnormal fluid buildup around the heart quickly and efficiently.”

The Bottom Line: Get Screened, Stay Healthy

Heart disease remains the top cause of death in the U.S., but many cases are preventable with regular screenings and early intervention. Simple tests like blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and diabetes assessments can make all the difference.

If you haven’t had a heart health screening recently, schedule one today—it could save your life.