Why Regular Heart Check-Ups with a Cardiologist Are Important

Every morning, as you step out of your door, pollution surrounds you. You rush to work and meet the deadlines, get stuck in traffic and answer a loop of endless calls. Add the pressure of monthly EMIs, unhealthy eating habits, irregular sleep patterns, and no time for exercise. Amid all of this, your heart keeps beating, working quietly, without complaints.

You might feel fine and healthy now, but slowly, these daily pressures start to take a toll on your heart’s strength. It doesn’t display signs immediately, but risks like high blood pressure or clogged arteries can build up in the background. The good news? Just like you service your favorite car or bike to keep it running smoothly, regular heart check-ups with a cardiologist at Artemis Cardiac Care can help you with early detection of heart disease and keep your heart strong for years to come.

What are Regular Heart Checkup Tests?

Think of regular heart checkup tests as tiny detectives for your heart so that you can act on time. 

Simple screening tests such as ECG, echocardiogram, stress tests, and blood tests give your doctor or cardiologist quick snapshots of your heart’s working condition. They help identify problems early, so action can be personalized before anything serious develops. Regular checks or heart disease screenings keep it in good working or pumping condition.

What are the Lists of Heart Checkup Tests?

When you visit your heart doctor, they can recommend you any of the following heart screening tests based on the symptoms you are facing. 
Read them to know the significance of each test.

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An ECG or EKG records your heart's electrical signals to check its rhythm and rate.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Detects problems related to heart rhythm and past heart attacks
• Helps diagnose inadequate blood supply to your heart
• Monitors treatment outcomes for any heart diseases

2. Blood Tests

These tests include measuring the levels of good and bad cholesterol, heart proteins, and other markers indicating heart health.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Detect risk factors such as high bad cholesterol (LDL) and bad fat (triglycerides)
• Identify damage to the heart muscle, such as in a heart attack
• Detect inflammation that can affect arteries

3. Echocardiogram (known as Heart Ultrasound)

This ultrasound uses sound waves to give you a clear picture of your heart’s structure and function.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Understand how properly your  heart is pumping blood
• Detects valve issues or heart muscle damage
• Give a clear picture of the blood flow inside your heart

4. Stress Test (Exercise or Medicine-Based)/exercise tolerance test (ETT)

Monitors your heart’s response to physical stress through exercises on the treadmill or stationary bicycle, or medication.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Detect any blocked arteries during activity
• Monitor heart rhythm and blood pressure changes
• Evaluate exercise tolerance and heart function

5. Holter Monitor

It is a portable ECG device worn for over 24-48 hours to record heart rhythms.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Identifies irregular heartbeats overlooked by a normal ECG
• Tracks symptoms during daily routine activities
• Tracks the outcomes of heart medications

6. Cardiac CT Scan

It is a comprehensive X-ray that provides 3D images of the heart and arteries.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Identifies artery obstructions and calcium deposits
• Helps assess the risk of heart issues
• Non-invasive alternative to angiograms (X-ray of the blood vessels)

7. Coronary Angiogram

A special contrast dye and X-ray test are used to show blood flow in the heart arteries.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Know if there is any artery blockages leading to chest pain
• Help in decision-making for stents or surgery
• Offers the most precise picture of artery health

8. Cardiac MRI

Magnets and radio waves are used to create clear images of your heart muscles.

Why is the test done?
The test is done to:

• Highlight any heart muscle damage and inflammation
• Diagnose any complex heart illnesses
• Assesses your heart function and adequate blood flow

9. Chest X-Ray

X-ray radiation is used to give an image of your chest to observe the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Checks for an expanded heart or fluid accumulation
• Identify lung conditions linked to heart issues
• Provides a quick overview of heart and lung conditions

10. B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test

This is a blood test to measure BNP protein, a hormone released by the body when the heart is enlarged or under stress.

Why is the test done?

The test is done to:

• Helps detect heart failure
• Give an idea about how severe heart strain is
• Monitors response to heart failure medication

When to Get a Heart Checkup?

For healthy individuals without risk factors, every 3–5 years and every 1–2 years after age 40 is recommended. 

Some heart health screening tests begin as early as age 20. In case of any known heart condition, you should go for screening on a regular basis or as advised by your doctor.

Here are 10 reasons to schedule a heart checkup and talk to your heart specialist.

• Chest pain
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath, palpitations or dizziness
• Diabetes
• History of smoking
• History of high cholesterol
• Chronic kidney condition
• Family history of heart disease
• Peripheral arterial disease
• 45 years and over

What Happens in a Heart Checkup

During a heart checkup, your blood pressure is checked with a cuff on your arm. Blood is collected to test cholesterol, fat, and sugar levels. The cardiologist checks your heart rate, rhythm, and electrical activity with the help of an ECG. Finally, your health and test results are addressed with you. Based on your symptoms, more advanced tests like transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be recommended to you.

When to Book a Cardiologist Consultation?

If you experience any of the following, it’s worth consulting a cardiologist at Artemis Cardiac Care for a comprehensive evaluation:

• Constant chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeats
• Disturbed palpitations
• Family history of heart disease
• Risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension

FAQs

Q: At what age should to get your heart checked?
A: It’s best to start heart checkups in your 20s. However, checkups become more crucial and regular from age 40 and beyond to detect risks early.

Q: What is a screening test for coronary heart disease?
A: Screening for coronary heart conditions includes blood pressure, bad cholesterol, bad fat, blood sugar/glucose tests, and sometimes ECG or heart scans to diagnose early signs of blocked arteries.

Q: What are the ways for the prevention of heart disease
Avoid heart conditions by eating a healthy diet, staying active, saying no to smoking, and managing stress. Additionally, monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Q: How can I do the early detection of heart disease?
A: You can detect heart disease early by regular health checkups, blood tests, ECGs, and knowing your family history. Catching warning signs early helps mitigate serious heart issues.