Cardiologist Urges 4 Heart Screenings for Women Over 40 as UK Death Toll Doubles Breast Cancer
Updated
Updated · Leeds Live · Jun 29
Cardiologist Urges 4 Heart Screenings for Women Over 40 as UK Death Toll Doubles Breast Cancer
3 articles · Updated · Leeds Live · Jun 29
Summary
Dr Francesco Lo Monaco said women over 40 should routinely get four cardiovascular checks—blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI, with annual waist measurements—to catch hidden risks before symptoms appear.
Blood pressure should be checked at least yearly, cholesterol every 5 years if normal, and fasting glucose plus HbA1c every 3 years—more often if results are abnormal, prediabetes is present or other risks exist.
A waist circumference above 35 inches, or 88 cm, can signal higher cardiovascular risk, and Lo Monaco said earlier or more frequent screening is warranted for women with family history, pregnancy complications, autoimmune disease or PCOS.
The British Heart Foundation says coronary heart disease kills twice as many women in the UK each year as breast cancer, yet many women dismiss heart attack symptoms or report milder signs than men.
Lo Monaco warned women not to ignore persistent fatigue, breathlessness, nausea, upper-body discomfort, dizziness or cold sweats, urging prompt medical review even if initial tests appear normal.