Tests for hidden heart disease
Electrocardiograms and exercise stress tests are not recommended for checking otherwise healthy men for hidden heart disease. Traditional cardiac risk factors provide a more accurate assessment of heart attack risk than screening tests do. The key factors are age, body mass index, family history, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and whether you smoke or have diabetes. A test called a coronary artery calcium scan can help men make decisions about preventive heart care in certain circumstances.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Source matters. Subscribe to HarvardHealthOnline+ FREE for 30 days for unlimited access to the site – where all content is reviewed by an HMS physician or faculty expert.
With HHO+ you get these exclusive benefits:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
SPECIAL OFFER! UNLOCK EXPERT ACCESS for 30 days FREE!
Already a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
