Heart Health Screenings After 50: Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and What Medicare Covers
Many heart problems start quietly. High blood pressure and high cholesterol usually cause no symptoms, so the only way to know your numbers is to get them checked. Here is what the tests show and what Medicare covers.
Blood Pressure: A Quick Check With Big Value
The CDC says most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, and that measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have it. Blood pressure is written as two numbers, such as 120/80. The CDC says normal is less than 120/80, and high blood pressure is consistently 130/80 or above. Because readings change through the day, your health care team may take several readings over more than one visit.
Cholesterol: What the Blood Test Looks At
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. A cholesterol check, sometimes called a lipid panel, usually measures total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol and triglycerides. The CDC says the only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to have it checked by your health care team.
What Medicare Covers
As of November 2026, Medicare.gov says Part B covers a cardiovascular screening once every 5 years. It includes blood tests for cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels. You pay nothing for the tests if your provider accepts assignment, which means the provider agrees to Medicare’s approved amount. What you owe can vary with other insurance, the provider and the type of facility, so ask the office before you go.
Habits the CDC Lists for Heart Health
- About 30 minutes of physical activity a day, 5 days a week
- Not smoking
- Eating a healthy diet and limiting salt (sodium) and alcohol
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Managing stress
Safety note: check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, and begin gently.
Simple Steps to Take
- Ask your doctor or nurse what your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers are.
- Write them down and bring the list to your next visit.
- Ask when your next cholesterol screening is due.
- If you ever have chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, or trouble seeing or speaking, call 911. The CDC lists these as warning signs of a hypertensive emergency.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own health.
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- Medicare’s Free Wellness Visits: What They Include and How to Prepare
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