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Take Charge of Your Health
7 Tests for Every Woman By Teri Brown
Often, high lipid levels are due to hereditary and age and are not the result of a diet high in fat and a lack of exercise. However, most high cholesterol is due to poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
Testing Schedule: The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends routine lipid screening every five years for adults over age 20. If your cholesterol tends to run high, you may be asked to have the test done more often.
How the Test Is Done: This is a simple blood test, though you may be asked to fast for 12 hours before the blood is drawn.
Hypertension
What It Is: Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, occurs when the blood is forced through the body at too fast of a rate.
Causes and Symptoms: The exact cause of hypertension is not known, but there are many things that can contribute to high blood pressure such as genetics, obesity, lack of exercise, too much salt in the diet and stress. Hypertension does not usually cause any symptoms.
Testing Schedule: If your blood pressure tests normal (130/85 or under), then you can schedule your tests for every two years. If the blood pressure is between 130-139/85-89, then it should be checked annually. After age 60, blood pressure should be checked annually.
How the Test Is Done: To take the test, your health care provider will wrap your arm in an arm cuff that has a pump and valve attached to it. After pumping up the arm cuff (this may feel almost uncomfortably tight) the air will be slowly let out of the cuff. They will listen to your heartbeat through a stethoscope placed on the inside of your elbow and watch the valve at the same time. After doing so, they will be able to tell you what your blood pressure is. There is also a smaller wrist cuff that can take your blood pressure automatically.
Skin Cancer