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An Overview of Heart-Health Screenings And CPR Classes in Palm Harbor

Cardiovascular disease increases the risk for life-threatening cardiac emergencies, such as a cardiac arrest, heart attack, etc. The major risk factors include high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Managing health behaviors and risk factors, such as diet quality, physical activity, smoking, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, total cholesterol or blood glucose is the key to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, also called coronary artery disease (CAD). But you would most probably not know which risk factors you have. To know about your risk factors, you need to visit your healthcare provider who may conduct or request screening tests during regular visits.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation, or if you have a history of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular events, you’ll probably require additional and more frequent testing. Your doctor may order more stringent screening even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a condition- if you already have risk factors or a family history of heart disease.


Though you cannot predict the occurrence of a cardiac arrest, but you can stay prepared to face such emergencies efficiently. Equip yourself in the life-saving CPR procedure and contribute towards the safety of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims. CPR can help save a life during a cardiac or breathing emergency. For a CPR class Tampa in Palm Harbor, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR Tampa in the region. Classes are conducted through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice.

Learn more about the screening tests for monitoring cardiovascular health:
Blood Pressure- High blood pressure (HBP) usually has no symptoms, so it cannot be detected without being measured, that’s why it is one of the most important screenings. HBP greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Be sure to get your BP checked at least once every two years starting at age thirty- if your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. Lifestyle changes and/or medication can help control HBP.

Fasting Lipoprotein Profile (cholesterol) – Fasting Lipoprotein Profile is a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. If your doctor determines you are at an increased risk for heart disease or stroke, you may need to be tested more frequently. It is important that you have a fasting lipoprotein profile taken every four to six years, starting at age 20. Cholesterol, like HBP can be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Blood Glucose- High blood glucose or “blood sugar” levels increases the risk of developing insulin resistance prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, if left untreated can lead to many serious medical problems including heart disease and stroke. Your healthcare provider will most likely recommend a blood glucose test if you’re overweight and have at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor. Your doctor, to screen for type 2 diabetes may also measure glycated hemoglobin A1c levels (A1c %) in your blood where an A1c level of 6.5% or higher is used to define diabetes.

Physical Activity, Diet- Apart from discussing your diet and physical activity habits, talk to your healthcare provider about approaches to help quit smoking. Ask your healthcare provider to offer helpful suggestions if there’s any room for improvement in diet and regular physical activity levels.

Body Weight- Obesity puts you at higher risk for health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure (CHF) and more. During a routine visit, your healthcare provider may ask for your waist circumference or use your body weight to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) which tells whether you’re at a healthy body weight and composition.

For a CPR class at CPR Tampa, either register online or call on 727-240-9404 to sign up for a course. If you cannot find the class day/time that fits your schedule, check out our Tampa location- 5396 Primrose Lake Circle, Conference Room, Tampa, FL- 33647.
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