Cardiovascular Screening

Cardiovascular screening September 21

September is National Cholesterol Education Month and a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked.  McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering a cardiovascular screening on Wednesday, September 21, from 7:30am-9:30am, at McHenry County College, 8900 US Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake.  The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiovascular education and heart age assessment.  Appointments are required at 815-334-4536; cost is $35.00.   

Having high blood cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. About 1 of every 6 adult Americans has high blood cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Learning the risk factors of heart disease is the first step towards lowering your chances of having a heart attack, stroke or similar health condition.

Age, gender and family history are risk factors beyond our control but there are many dietary and lifestyle changes that you can implement to not only reduce the risk but actually reverse the damage of heart disease. Risk factors you can change are high cholesterol, smoking (including second-hand smoke), diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use and poor nutrition. 

For more information on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, visit the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol