As we age, we all become more likely to develop heart disease. But Mohammad Al-Sarie, M.D., says we should start thinking about heart disease when we are younger. “The process of plaque buildup starts at a very early age. That’s why it’s important to screen for risk factors for developing heart disease or coronary artery disease early in life,” says Dr. Al-Sarie, an interventional cardiologist with the CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic. “Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity.”

The American Heart Association recommends starting these screenings at the age of 20. “And by doing an early intervention, we aim at stopping the progression of the disease before it becomes symptomatic for the patient.”

CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic