In your personal fight against heart disease, the more details you know about your heart health, the easier it is to protect your heart. That's where the Go Red Heart CheckUp can help. It's here to help women of all ages and backgrounds get the facts they need to partner with their doctors and make smart decisions about their health.

Before you take the Heart CheckUp, it helps to have as much information at your fingertips as possible. Here are the numbers you need to know:

  • Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) 
  • Height, weight and waist circumference (in inches) 
  • Blood cholesterol levels:
  • Total cholesterol 
  • Fasting blood glucose (sugar)

Doctor Fax

Don't know your numbers? Download, print out and fax the following form to your primary care doctor. If you know of a local diagnostic center, fax his or her approval to have your blood test taken.
Download 

What's more, there are many places to get your heart-health numbers:

  • Drugstore Clinics: Walk-in clinics are a growing phenomenon in drugstore chains nationwide. No appointment is necessary; they're cost effective and efficient. Although it is important to schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider who can help you achieve long term health goals.
  • Neighborhood Medical Clinics:
    • Neighborhood medical clinics often provide health care to working but uninsured individuals.
    • To find the clinic near you, search in the phone book or online for "Medical Clinic" or "neighborhood clinic."
  • Home Testing:
    • Available at pharmacies and online. While the numbers for home tested glucose and blood pressure are widely accepted, the accuracy of cholesterol home testing kits is still under scrutiny.
    • For cholesterol tests, be sure to use a kit that gives results for all four readings (total, LDL, HDL, triglycerides).
    • Closely follow all directions included with the test (most require a 12 hour fast beforehand to ensure accuracy).
  • Clinical Laboratories: Clinical laboratories are in many cases the same labs that your healthcare provider may use. For a fee, and the appropriate blood tests, they can provide you with an accurate reading of your cholesterol and glucose.
  • Health Screening: Health screenings are a common place for many individuals to get their numbers. They often occur at community events, or even at work. The American Heart Association also hosts health fairs across the country. Insert your zip code in our zip code finder to find your local American Heart Association office. Go. 

 

Hospitals: Many hospitals provide low or no cost preventative tests. Check with your local hospital or go to their Web site to learn the dates of their next community screening.

Have your numbers? Take the Heart CheckUp Now!
The Go Red Heart CheckUp is not intended to be a substitute for your doctor's medical advice or treatment. However, it can help you have a more informed discussion with your doctor about your health goals and, if you have heart disease, your treatment plan.

With that in mind, if you have your numbers in hand, now is a great time to Take the Go Red Heart CheckUp