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Prevention and screening for cardiovascular disease (Dyslipidemia (cholesterol) and high blood pressure)

Dyslipidemia (cholesterol) and high blood pressure

Dyslipidemia and high blood pressure are cardiovascular diseases.

To learn more about these cardiovascular diseases, go to the Dyslipidemia (cholesterol) and High blood pressure pages.

Prevention

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits helps prevent cardiovascular disease, regardless of your body weight. For example, it is recommended to:

  • do physical activity regularly
  • eat healthily; follow the recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide
  • quit smoking or stay smoke free
  • avoid alcohol or reduce your alcohol consumption
  • manage stress effectively

Consult the page on Healthy lifestyle habits for more information.

Take your blood pressure regularly to keep track of any changes. Some pharmacies offer the service for free. If you get a blood pressure monitor, make sure it says “Recommended by Hypertension Canadaon it.

To find out more about the types of blood pressure monitors available, go to the recommended devices page on the Hypertension Canada website.

To find out how to measure your blood pressure at home (in French only), visit the website of the Société québécoise d’hypertension artérielle.

Videos (in French with English subtitles available)

Watch the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.

Watch the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.

Screening

If you think that you are at risk of developing a cardiovascular disease, consult a health professional.

Your level of risk can be assessed, you will be given advice to prevent dyslipidemia or high blood pressure and, if necessary, a blood test will be prescribed. The health professional may also refer you to a dietitian‑nutritionist or a kinesiologist if necessary.

Screening for dyslipidemia may be recommended between 40 and 75 years of age. In some circumstances, people under 40 or over 75 years of age may also benefit from screening. If you have any questions, talk to a health professional.

Video (in French with available English subtitles)

Watch the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.

Last update: January 30, 2025

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