Essential Health Screenings All Women Should Have Done

Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray of an individual's breasts that is intended to catch the early stages of breast cancer, which is crucial for the survival of the disease. By the time a woman reaches forty years old, they should have a mammogram every year. Regular breast exams should be done once a year by a woman's doctor even before they reach forty. If the mammogram reports anything abnormal, a woman's doctor may ask them to undergo an ultrasound or biopsy. Catching breast cancer in its early stages indicates a ninety-seven percent survival rate for five years from the time the disease is first detected.

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Screening For High Blood Pressure

Screening for high blood pressure is used to detect hypertension, which increases a patient's risk of stroke, renal insufficiency, premature death, and sudden death. Screening tests are done with a sphygmomanometer to detect blood pressure levels. Hypertension is defined by a reading of one hundred and forty millimeters of mercury or higher. Hypertension is usually diagnosed after two or more elevated readings during two or more visits over several weeks. Blood pressure medications are available, but diet and lifestyle interventions are also extremely effective in lowering blood pressure.

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