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When was the last time you thought about what your heart health will be like in the future? In January, the American Heart Association introduced HeartCheck, an online calculator aimed at predicting an individual's likelihood of developing heart disease at the age of 30 – ten years younger than previous calculators! What is this tool, and why should you use it? PatientsLikeMe has you covered.
Understanding Heart Check for Health Health
HeartCheck goes beyond traditional tools by looking at a broader range of health measures. This updated approach aims to prompt earlier and more targeted strategies to help you avoid heart problems.
At the heart of it is the PREVENT equation, aptly named for its mission of predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease events. Researchers built this model using data from over 6.6 million adults across various demographics.
What Makes Heart Check Unique?
Unlike its predecessors, HeartCheck incorporates critical clinical values such as BMI and eGFR. eGFR assesses kidney function based on blood creatinine levels.
This groundbreaking tool also addresses the interconnected nature of cardiovascular health by introducing the concept of cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic syndrome. By considering CKM biomarkers, HeartCheck comprehensively evaluates someone’s risk profile.
Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Heart Health
But what good is knowing your risk without actionable steps? That is where HeartCheck truly shines. With this information, providers can recommend targeted interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk. From lifestyle modifications to cutting-edge medications, there are now more options than ever to safeguard heart health.
Remember, the journey towards better health starts early, and every positive change counts. Sign in or sign up for the PatientsLikeMe community to connect with others, find resources and start taking control of your health journey.