#GET REGULAR HEALTH SCREENINGS

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without testing them, you probably won't know if you have them in bad conditions. Regular screening can tell you if you need help.

-Blood pressure. Regular blood pressure screenings start in childhood. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years. You may need more frequent checks if your numbers aren't ideal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury.
-Cholesterol levels. Adults should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years . You may need more frequent testing if your numbers aren't ideal. Some children may need their blood cholesterol tested if they have a family history of heart disease.
-Diabetes screening. Since diabetes is a risk factor for developing heart disease, you may consider being screened for diabetes. Talk to your doctor about when you should have a test. Depending on your risk factors, such as being overweight or a family history of diabetes, your doctor may recommend first testing you for diabetes sometime between ages 30 and 45.