Heart attacks are often portrayed in film and TV as a single sudden event. The reality is that the build up can be much less dramatic. In fact, hidden signs of potential heart disease can be quietly lurking in the background unbeknownst to us for days, weeks or even years.

According to the Heart and Stroke foundation, nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. If you're considering a health assessment to manage and reduce your risk, it's worth knowing that not all assessments are created equal. Here’s some information to help you understand how clinicians evaluate your risk of heart disease and what kinds of tests and assessments you can seek.

Factors contributing to heart attack for adult men and women

Heart health isn’t just a matter of concern for those who are getting on in years. Though it’s unlikely for an individual to experience a heart attack before the age of 45, for men, and below the age of 55, for women, research shows that heart attacks are becoming more prevalent among adults under 40.

There are a range of contributing factors, some lifestyle-related (smoking, stress, diet) and others owing to genetics or family history. Understanding your personal risk profile through appropriate assessments could help identify and track potential issues earlier.

Tests and assessments for evaluating and reducing risk of heart disease

There are a variety of methods that clinicians use to estimate your risk, understand your health profile and manage your heart disease prevention strategy. Here are some examples:

• Comprehensive lab panels assess key cardiovascular biomarkers, metabolic indicators and key nutrient levels that support your overall health.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) testing helps detect potential heart irregularities.
• Cardiovascular health assessment and risk evaluation help estimate your risk through physical examination and health history.
• Expert nutrition and fitness guidance provides heart-healthy eating strategies and customized exercise assessments to optimize your health and physical performance.
• Genetic screening* is used to look for DNA changes that may put you at risk of developing a health condition in the future. The screening is performed on a blood, saliva or cheek swab sample. During the testing process, the laboratory will look for heritable changes in the DNA sequence that may influence your health risks.

When to get assessed

Men older than 45 and women past the age of menopause are the most at risk of a heart event, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. However age isn’t the only thing to consider when it comes to heart health, family history and lifestyle factors, such as vaping or smoking, also heighten an individual's risk of heart disease.

If you fit into any of those categories, consider a comprehensive heart health screening as part of your proactive health plan to inform your prevention plan.

*At this time, our genetic services are available to TELUS Health Care Centres clients or through the TELUS Health Virtual Care app. Book your first Preventive Health Assessment to get started.