5 Key Tests for Better Heart Health in 2025
As the New Year begins, health resolutions often rise to the forefront of our minds. One aspect that deserves particular attention is heart health, given its critical role in our overall well-being. Recently, I came across an excellent article by Dr. Paddy Barrett on his Substack, Five Tests to Assess Your Heart Health, published on December 28, 2024. His straightforward, evidence-based approach to assessing heart health is invaluable, and I’d like to share his insights with you.
Here are the five key tests Dr. Barrett highlights, along with my reflections:
1. Daily Step Count
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise. Dr. Barrett writes, “Walking at least 7,000 steps per day is associated with half the risk of dying from any cause over a ten-year time frame.”
This powerful statistic underscores the importance of incorporating more movement into your daily routine.
2. Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a leading cause of death worldwide, yet it is highly modifiable. Dr. Barrett explains, “For every 20mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure, the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke doubles.”
Regular monitoring, paired with a healthy lifestyle, can significantly reduce your risk.
3. Non-HDL Cholesterol
Understanding your cholesterol levels is crucial, but the focus should be on Non-HDL cholesterol. Dr. Barrett advises using this metric, which is calculated by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol, to assess cardiovascular risk.
He adds, “Reducing Non-HDL cholesterol by 50% can dramatically lower the risk of a major cardiovascular event.”
4. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]
Lp(a) is a genetic cholesterol disorder affecting 10–20% of the population. Testing it just once can provide invaluable insight, especially for those with a family history of heart disease.
Dr. Barrett notes that while specific treatments for Lp(a) are still in development, managing overall cardiovascular risk remains effective.
5. Cardiac CT (CAC Score)
The CAC score is a direct measure of plaque in the coronary arteries, providing critical insight into heart disease risk. According to Dr. Barrett, “A CAC score of 0 is a powerful predictor of being in a low-risk category.”
This test offers clarity about existing risks and helps guide preventive strategies.
A Fresh Start
Dr. Barrett’s insights remind us that proactive measures can significantly impact our health outcomes. As we embark on 2025, these five tests serve as a blueprint for understanding and improving heart health.
—
Barrett, P. (2024, December 28). Five Tests to Assess Your Heart Health in the New Year. Substack. Retrieved January 3, 2025, from https://paddybarrett.substack.com/p/five-tests-to-assess-your-heart-health