How do you keep your heart healthy? You may know that eating right, managing stress, exercising, getting enough sleep and not smoking all help the heart. But did you know that the answer also lies in heart screenings and tests? Routine screenings, including blood pressure checks, blood tests and annual physicals help to monitor cardiac health. And if a problem is suspected, diagnostic testing such as EKGs, stress tests, echocardiograms, tilt tests, and imaging studies can help providers identify or stage a heart problem.

On this episode of the Hurley in the Morning radio show, Courtney Krathen, DO, takes a deep dive into a variety of cardiac screenings and tests. She addresses the importance of knowing your numbers and the recommended frequency to have heart screenings. Cardiac testing can detect heart rhythm issues, heart structure issues, valve problems and blockages. Lifestyle risk factors and family history can influence when and which tests may be needed. Dr. Krathen explains what to expect, results and follow-up from cardiac testing. She discusses how to work with your provider and care team to keep your heart healthy.