11 Doctor-Recommended Women's Health Screening Tests You Should Know

5. Cardiovascular Screening (Lipid Panel and Risk Assessment)

Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women, and regular cardiovascular screening helps spot risk early. A baseline lipid panel — measuring total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides — is commonly done in early adulthood and repeated every four to six years for those at average risk. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of premature heart disease, or tobacco use, clinicians recommend more frequent testing and a fuller risk assessment. Some providers now add advanced markers such as lipoprotein(a) or apolipoprotein B when family history or prior results suggest higher residual risk. Fasting may be requested for certain lipid tests, so confirm prep when scheduling. Results guide lifestyle advice and, for many people, medication decisions to lower LDL and reduce cardiovascular risk. Combining cholesterol data with blood pressure, weight, and smoking status gives a clearer picture of heart health and helps clinicians personalize prevention.