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Five numbers predict heart disease risk

January 26, 2018 | Heart Health

“Do you know your numbers?” This is the question CVS Health is asking during February’s American Heart Month.

Five personal health numbers can help patients determine their risk for heart disease: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. The tests to determine these numbers are simple, and the results provide patients with the information they need to take steps toward improving their health, especially their cardiovascular health.

“Knowing your numbers is more important than ever, following recently updated guidelines from the American Heart Association that indicate nearly half of Americans are at risk for major health problems as a result of high blood pressure,” said Angela Patterson, DNP, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, and Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer at MinuteClinic. “Many patients who may not have needed intervention before, may now be instructed to adopt lifestyle changes or even prescribed medication.”

Convenient access to screenings

To make it easy and convenient for patients to know their numbers, our more than 1,100 MinuteClinic locations offer comprehensive health screenings year-round. This year, MinuteClinic is offering no cost “Know Your Numbers” screenings every Wednesday in February, including Valentine’s Day. The no cost MinuteClinic screenings are being sponsored by Bayer, in recognition of CVS Health’s support of Go Red For Women®.

"Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly one in three women in the U.S. each year," added Patterson. "During the screenings, patients will receive vital information about their health and will be counseled on ways to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. Most importantly, our providers will be arming them with the tools they need to take charge of their health."

Go Red For Women

The no cost “Know Your Numbers” heart screenings are inspired by our sponsorship of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, a national campaign to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women and to empower women to take charge of their heart health. As part of our support for Go Red For Women, we have pledged to raise a minimum of $10 million through 2019 to support life-saving cardiovascular research and education.

Through February 17, 2018, CVS Pharmacy customers can support Go Red For Women by making a $1, $3 or larger donation at the register at 7,900 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide or online at heart.org.

Originally published February 14, 2017, updated January 29, 2018.