white women, according to HHS. The higher it is, the greater your chance of having heart disease, a stroke or kidney damage.
How often:
Anyone over the age of 40 should go for a blood pressure screening once a year if it’s 120/80 or below.
If you are between 18 and 40, you can go for a screening every three to five years.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with hypertension — or your doc says you’re at risk — measure your BP at home regularly, too.
Cholesterol Panel
Who to see: Your GP
Why: Nearly half of Black women have a total cholesterol number that is way too high. High cholesterol means higher risk for heart disease. You want total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL; LDL (bad cholesterol) under 100 mg/dL; HDL (the good stuff) 60 mg/dL or more; and triglycerides under 150 mg/dL.
How often: At least once every five years, starting at age 20.
BMI/Weight
Who to see: Your GP
Why: African-American women have the highest rates of being either overweight or obese, compared to other groups in the United States. About 4 in 5 African-American women are overweight or obese. The problem? Pick a disease, any disease: chances are, being overweight puts you at an elevated risk. Your doctor should weigh you and calculate your body-mass index, the measurement of your weight relative to your height.
How often: Yearly. And if you’re looking to shed pounds, weigh yourself once a week at home and visit your physician monthly to help track your progress.
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Age-Specific Tests That Women Need
In Your 20’s…
Eye Exam
Who to see: Ophthalmologist
Why: Studies have shown that Black women’s vision tends to be more at risk than that of Black men or other groups. Also, two thirds of blindness and visual impairment cases occur in women. Many eye problems, such as glaucoma and retinopathy, are detected only via exam. Plus, checkups can help pinpoint related health concerns, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
How often: At least once between the ages of 20 and 29 and twice between ages 30 and 39. Wear glasses or contacts? Take meds that