These Heart Tests Can Save Your Life
Reader's Digest US|June 2018

A handful of lesser known checkup items can provide early clues about your cardiovascular health

Abbey Schubert
These Heart Tests Can Save Your Life

After studying a group of healthy individuals for more than ten years, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discovered that those who scored poorly on five simple medical tests were 20 times more likely to develop heart disease than those with good results. The tests are not all standard, so they may not be covered by insurance. But the results will give you a much better—and earlier—sense of your heart disease risk than the traditional reliance on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and they can help you change your habits as needed to protect your heart for life. If you smoke, are overweight, have a family history of heart problems, or have any other risk factors, ask your doctor about these tests.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

This story is from the June 2018 edition of Reader's Digest US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2018 edition of Reader's Digest US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM READER'S DIGEST USView All
GOTCHA!
Reader's Digest US

GOTCHA!

We asked for it: What's the best prank you ever pulled?

time-read
3 mins  |
March/April 2024
KITT THE COURAGEOUS K-9
Reader's Digest US

KITT THE COURAGEOUS K-9

Officer Bill Cushing needed a partner. His dog needed a purpose. Together, they rescued each other.

time-read
9 mins  |
March/April 2024
Let's Dance!
Reader's Digest US

Let's Dance!

It's good for your body, soul and even your brain

time-read
6 mins  |
March/April 2024
DISASTER ON THE RIVER
Reader's Digest US

DISASTER ON THE RIVER

Two canoeists struggle to keep themselves and their friendship-afloat

time-read
9 mins  |
March/April 2024
WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THE STUFF WE RETURN
Reader's Digest US

WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THE STUFF WE RETURN

Think your rejects go back on the shelves? Think again.

time-read
10 mins  |
March/April 2024
Words to Live By
Reader's Digest US

Words to Live By

Poems offered me an anchor as I lost my son, so I shared them

time-read
4 mins  |
March/April 2024
LOST, FOUND, HOMEWARD BOUND
Reader's Digest US

LOST, FOUND, HOMEWARD BOUND

A collection of heart-thumping, tail-wagging, zoomies-inducing pet reunion tales

time-read
10 mins  |
March/April 2024
Paging Dr. AI
Reader's Digest US

Paging Dr. AI

IF YOU'VE EVER Googled symptoms (and who hasn't?), you've probably scared yourself with a dire diagnosis, with no doctor there to vet the source and put the information in context. But we can't help ourselves. So can AI help?

time-read
1 min  |
March/April 2024
The HEALTHY WELLNESS FROM THEHEALTHY.COM
Reader's Digest US

The HEALTHY WELLNESS FROM THEHEALTHY.COM

A vaccine is finally on the way. In the meantime, here's how to protect yourself from ticks.

time-read
2 mins  |
March/April 2024
How to Speak Like a Midwesterner
Reader's Digest US

How to Speak Like a Midwesterner

FROM THE BOOK A GUIDE TO MIDWESTERN CONVERSATION

time-read
3 mins  |
March/April 2024