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How do screenings for cholesterol and high blood pressure help prevent cardiovascular disease?

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Polio vaccine — public health A health care worker giving a polio vaccine to a child in Katsina state, Nigeria, 2014.

Screenings for cholesterol and high blood pressure are essential tools in preventive medicine, as they allow for the early detection of precursors to cardiovascular disease before serious symptoms appear.1

High levels of cholesterol—specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—and hypertension are major, modifiable risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis. In this condition, fatty deposits and plaque build up on the inner walls of arteries, causing them to stiffen and narrow. This process restricts blood flow and increases the likelihood of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.2134

By identifying these risks through screening, individuals and healthcare providers can intervene early to manage them through lifestyle changes—such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation—or medical therapies like statins and antihypertensive drugs. These actions help stabilize plaques, lower blood pressure, and reduce the overall risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events.1534