Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk in Your 40s: Supporting Performance with the Right Insights

Dr Devinder Singh, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Cadence Heart Centre, was featured in Lianhe Zaobao, speaking about the growing importance of cardiovascular evaluation among individuals in their 40s, particularly those who are increasingly taking on high-intensity fitness activities such as marathons, HYROX, CrossFit, and weightlifting.

In the feature, Dr Devinder highlighted a meaningful shift from reactive care towards proactive cardiovascular assessment. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, more individuals are now seeking cardiovascular evaluation before progressing to more demanding training regimens.

"More patients are coming in for assessment before they take on high-intensity training or events," he shared. "They want to better understand their baseline and whether their current level of activity is appropriate for them."

As structured training and endurance events become more common in Singapore, Dr Devinder noted that high-intensity activities place consistent and sustained demands on the cardiovascular system. In this context, a cardiovascular evaluation serves not as a barrier to activity, but as a tool to support safer and more informed participation.

Modern cardiovascular assessment, he explained, is tailored to the individual, taking into account lifestyle, training intensity, and overall health profile. This may include an evaluation of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as well as an ECG to assess the heart's electrical activity. Depending on individual needs, further assessments such as exercise stress testing, cardiac imaging, or heart rhythm monitoring may also be considered.

"The aim is to provide a clearer understanding of how the heart functions both at rest and during exertion," Dr Devinder said. "Many individuals who are physically active may not experience any warning signs. However, having a baseline assessment can be useful in guiding decisions about training intensity and progression."

This is particularly relevant for those preparing for competitive events, increasing their workout intensity, or returning to exercise after a period of inactivity.

"Being active is important, but understanding your cardiovascular profile adds another layer of awareness," he added. "It helps individuals make more informed decisions about how they train and how they manage their long-term health."

This article was originally published in Lianhe Zaobao.