The key benefit of assessment is to determine what problems an individual may be at risk for, and address them early.  First, nurses get a blood sample to test it for cholesterol, blood sugar, and lipid levels.   If you get a screening done, many times you can address those problems early before it causes a problem with your heart.

Exercise, diet, and family history of heart disease all play a role in risk for heart disease, but there is another big risk:  The number one preventable thing they can do is if they stop smoking to really cut down on heart disease.  

Experts say it's never too early to quit smoking, and it's never too early to get your heart risk assessment. 

In American Heart month, consider these risk factors, many of which can be corrected:

·         Smoking

·         High cholesterol

·         Diabetes

·         Obesity

·         Lack of Exercise

·         Heredity

Fix one or more of these things and you have a better chance of not developing heart disease in the near (or distant) future.