Regular screenings for all patients should begin at age 20 and proceed in intervals. However, if you're at high risk for cardiovascular disease, you're likely to be screened more frequently. Risk factors include high blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking, a family history of heart disease, your age and your lifestyle.

February is American Heart Month, a highlight of which is Wear Red Day, which aims to raise awareness about heart disease in women, on the first Friday of the month. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in women.