A heart screening involves a series of tests and evaluations to assess your heart's health and identify any potential cardiovascular issues before they become serious problems. These screenings help detect conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve disorders. The primary purpose of heart screening is early detection, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent severe complications.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Singapore, affecting a significant portion of the population. According to the Ministry of Health, almost 1 out of 3 deaths in Singapore occur [1] due to heart disease or stroke. This high prevalence in the country underscores the importance of regular heart screenings, especially for those with risk factors such as age, family history, or lifestyle choices that contribute to heart disease.
Early detection through heart screening can save lives and improve health significantly. Identifying heart conditions in the early stages allows for timely intervention and management, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other severe complications. Preventive measures, such as lifestyle modifications and medical treatments, are more effective when heart issues are caught early.
By understanding the types of screenings available, the risk factors for heart disease, and how to interpret screening results, you can take proactive steps to maintain your heart health. This guide also offers practical advice on preparing for screenings, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, and choosing the right specialist.
There are several types of heart disease that can develop due to various factors and causes, including:
The following risk factors are often associated with heart disease. Having more than one risk factor can significantly increase the chances of individuals of developing heart issues and conditions later on in life.
There are several types of heart screenings, depending on the individual. In general, these are the common tests that doctors and specialists use to assess heart health.
Blood Investigations:
Imaging Tests
Advanced Screenings
It may be daunting to undergo a heart screening if you don’t know what to expect. Keep yourself informed on what happens during a heart screening and how you can prepare for one. If you’ve been advised to undergo a particular heart screening, try not to worry as it may save your life in the long run. If you have any concerns or questions about preparing for a heart screening that is not covered in this guide, speak to your doctor.
Before a screening:
During the screening:
After the screening:
Screening tests such as blood tests, ECGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests provide detailed information about the heart's condition and function. Normal results typically indicate that your heart is functioning well, with no immediate concerns. However, abnormal results may reveal issues such as high cholesterol, irregular heart rhythms, or structural abnormalities. These findings can be indicators of underlying conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias.
Interpreting these results accurately requires a discussion with a doctor, who can explain what the numbers and findings mean in the context of your overall health. Based on these results, your doctor may recommend further testing, lifestyle changes, or treatments to address any identified issues and reduce your risk of future cardiovascular problems. Understanding and acting on your heart screening results is a vital step in maintaining a healthy heart and preventing serious complications.
After the screening, your doctor will arrange an appointment to speak with you after the results. While they will be able to give you more details according to your individual medical history and health, here is some useful information about understanding heart screening results.
Not sure if you should get a heart screening, or when to do it? Determining the right time for a heart screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of heart disease. Typically, heart screenings are advised for men over 40 and women over 50, as the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases with age. However, individuals with significant risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or a history of smoking should consider starting screenings earlier and undergoing them more frequently.
Additionally, anyone experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or unexplained fatigue should seek immediate medical evaluation to determine if heart screening is necessary. Regular screenings are essential for those with existing conditions or high-risk profiles to monitor heart health and enable timely interventions.
Regular screenings and consultations with doctors ensure early detection and management of any potential issues, helping to maintain overall cardiovascular well-being. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake and having a work-life balance can all play a role in your heart health. Maintaining heart health typically involves a combination of lifestyle choices and regular medical check-ups. These often include:
Choosing the right doctor for a heart screening is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of your heart health. Start by seeking a cardiologist with specialized training and experience in cardiovascular medicine.
During your initial consultation, assess the doctor’s communication style and willingness to answer your questions thoroughly. Ensure they take the time to understand your medical history and risk factors. Selecting a knowledgeable and approachable doctor will help you feel confident in the screening process and in managing your heart health effectively.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
At Cadence Heart Centre in Singapore, led by Dr Devinder Singh, we provide quality healthcare services, including prompt appointment scheduling, diagnostic tests and treatment. Contact us today to find out more about our comprehensive heart screening package.
Regular heart screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of heart disease. Understanding the types of screenings, risk factors, and how to interpret results empowers you to take control of your heart health. Plus, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle and working with experienced doctors are essential steps in preventing heart disease.
Prioritise your heart health by scheduling regular screenings and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Early detection and proactive management can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of serious heart conditions.
Can heart screening prevent heart disease?
While heart screenings cannot prevent heart disease directly, they can help detect risk factors and early signs of cardiovascular issues, allowing for timely intervention and preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart disease.
How often should I get a heart screening?
The frequency of heart screenings depends on your age, risk factors, and health. Generally, screenings are recommended every few years, but those with higher risk factors may need more frequent screenings.
What happens if my screening results are abnormal?
Abnormal results may indicate the presence of heart disease or other cardiovascular issues. Your doctor will recommend further tests or treatments, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or additional diagnostic procedures.
Are there any risks associated with heart screening?
Heart screenings are generally safe with minimal risk. However, some tests may involve temporary discomfort. Discuss any concerns with your doctor beforehand.
Dr Devinder Singh is the Medical Director of Cadence Heart Centre. He is an experienced Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist with over 20 years of clinical experience.
His expertise lies in clinical cardiology, cardiac rhythm disorders (arrhythmia), cardiac pacing (including cardiac resynchronisation therapy) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. He performs electrophysiology studies and radiofrequency ablation of cardiac arrhythmias, and is well versed in pacemaker and defibrillator insertions.
Copyright © Cadence Heart Centre | Terms & Conditions