The following are a few tests your doctor can perform to see if you have a heart problem or are at risk for one. Test Measuring blood pressure is one of the easiest ways the risk for heart disease can be detected.
Blood pressure is the amount of force blood exerts against the walls of the arteries.
The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk of heart problems. That's why it's important to have blood pressure measured regularly. If you've had your blood pressure checked before, you are probably familiar with the inflatable arm band and gauge known as a sphygmomanometer. The doctor, nurse, or health care provider wraps the band around your upper arm, pumping it with air and briefly stopping the flow of blood in your arm. The gauge records the blood pressure against the band while the doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to the sound of your blood pressure as the band deflates.