Learning About Screening for Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
What is screening for heart attack and stroke risk?
Screening for heart attack and stroke risk is a way for your doctor to check your chance of having a problem
called atherosclerosis. This problem is also called hardening of the arteries. It is the starting point for
most heart and blood flow problems, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral
arterial disease.
You and your doctor can use your risk score to decide if you want to take steps to lower your risk.
How can you find out your risk?
Your doctor looks at things that put you at risk for a heart attack and stroke. The doctor might look at many
things, such as:
Your doctor might use a tool to calculate a risk score for you. There are different tools that doctors use.
These may show that your risk is higher or lower than it really is. But the tools give you and your doctor a
good idea about your risk.
What happens after screening?
Knowing your risk can help you and your doctor talk about whether to take steps to lower your risk.
A heart-healthy lifestyle is important for everyone. Some people also take medicine to lower their risk. You
and your doctor can work together to decide what is best for you.
Current as of: June 24, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.