People aged 50 and over can help prevent heart disease and gain years of life by having key health values checked regularly, health experts say.
A cardiovascular health check should become a regular part of preventive care no later than age 50, and preferably from 35, according to the German Heart Foundation.
In Britain, meanwhile, doctors recommend patients have their heart checked every five years from the age of 40.
For timely cardiovascular care, here is what heart specialists recommend:
> Measure your blood pressure regularly
High blood pressure is the most common modifiable risk factor for conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure, often going unnoticed for a long time.
Regularly check your blood pressure and have it managed if necessary.
> Quit smoking, ideally with help
About one in five cardiovascular deaths worldwide is attributable to smoking, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Doctors recommend health programmes designed to help people quit for a higher chance at success.
> Keep an eye on your body weight
Fat tissue in the abdominal area or around the heart can promote inflammation.
A simple way to assess risk is to measure your waist or calculate your body mass index (BMI).
Take action with medical support if needed.
> Check your heart rhythm with an ECG
An ECG (electrocardiogram) can reveal rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation.
If detected and treated in time, the risk of stroke falls significantly – by up to 70%, the German Heart Foundation says.
Some smartwatches come with ECG sensors and can alert you to possible problems, but may also create false alarms.
> Know your cholesterol levels
An elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level is a key risk factor for atherosclerosis, and therefore, heart attacks.
Experts also advise measuring the blood fat lipoprotein(a) at least once in your lifetime.
> Monitor your long-term blood sugar
An elevated level of glycohaemoglobin can indicate diabetes or a precursor, and it is also a warning sign for cardiovascular risk.
Regular measurements help with early intervention.
> Test your kidney function
Kidney disease often occurs together with heart problems.
Blood and urine tests can provide early indications and enable targeted treatment. – dpa
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