Heart health: When is the right time to get a check-up done?

Over recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of heart attack cases among young people. While lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension are also quite prevalent in the younger population, incidences of heart attacks and cardiac arrests have increased manifold.

In light of this, regular heart health screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of heart diseases. This is known as comprehensive cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment.

According to Dr Nityanand Tripathi, Cardiology and Electrophysiology at Fortis Hospital, it involves gathering information about a person’s CVD risk factors such as weight, height, BMI (body-mass index), history of diabetes, total cholesterol level, smoking and family history of premature CAD (coronary artery disease) and other minor factors like physical activity.

Contrary to popular belief, these check-ups should commence as early as 20 years old, not when one starts experiencing health issues.

In fact, the American Heart Association recommends that these screenings be conducted every two to four years.

A typical heart check-up includes a variety of tests such as blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), exercise stress tests, echocardiograms, and more.

These tests help identify potential risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms, which could lead to serious conditions like heart disease or stroke, if left unchecked.

When to Get a Heart Checkup?

Dr Mittal Bhadra, Intervention Cardiologist, Zynova Shalby Multi-speciality Hospital, recommended that adults should start getting heart check-ups done in their 20s.
"This can lead to timely detection of risks like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Heart disease risk is often due to genetic factors. It is necessary for such people to get their heart checked regularly, said Dr Bhadra.

Frequent heart screenings are also advised for people who smoke, who have obesity issues, have an inactive lifestyle or are diagnosed with diabetes.

"These factors can increase the risk of heart disease. Do not stop if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat or dizziness. In such a situation, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately,” added Dr Bhadra.

Moreover, regular check-ups provide an opportunity for doctors to monitor your overall health and make the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan before any serious complications arise.

They also allow you to build a better relationship with your doctor, who can then provide the most current medical information and up-to-date practices.

In addition to regular screenings, adopting healthy habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dr Nityanand Tripathi agreed as well that heart check-ups should begin as early as 20 years old, should be done every 2-4 years, and should be managed as per the Absolute Risk Guidelines on an ongoing basis, which is the main outcome of these tests.

However, check-ups should be done more frequently for people with diabetes mellitus (Type 2 Diabetes) or those with pre-existing CAD (coronary artery disease) or elevated risk for CAD.

“Heart screening is also essential for all those planning for vigorous exercise in the gym, running a marathon, climbing mountains or high-altitude hiking so that exercise-induced cardiac arrests can be prevented,’’ said Dr Mittal.