What Heart Health Tests Should Adults Get Regularly? Cardiologist Shares The List

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death around the world, but many heart problems can be prevented or treated if they are found early. Regular heart health check-ups help doctors identify risk factors before they become serious. Even if you feel healthy, routine check-ups can provide valuable information about your heart and overall health.

We spoke to Dr Deebanshu Gupta, Cardiologist at Sarvodya Hospital, Jalandhar, who shared five tests that can predict potential heart health risks.

#1 Blood Pressure

A blood pressure test is one of the most common and important heart health checks. Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure often has no evident symptoms, which is why it is called the silent killer.

• Most adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once every year.
• People with high blood pressure or other health conditions may need more frequent checks, as advised by their doctor.

Also Read: Can High Blood Pressure or Hypertension Be Genetic?

#2 Cholesterol

A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid profile, measures the amount of fats in your blood. It checks your total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol), and triglycerides.

• High levels of bad cholesterol indicate fatty deposits building up inside the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow to the heart.

According to Dr Gupta, “Adults should usually have their cholesterol checked every four to six years from the age of 20 if they have a low risk of heart disease. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of heart disease may need more regular testing.”

#3 Blood Sugar Test

A blood sugar test measures the amount of glucose in your blood and helps detect diabetes or prediabetes. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and greatly increase the risk of heart disease.

Doctors may recommend a fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c test, which shows your average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months. According to a report published in the journal ‘Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America’, adults with risk factors such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes should test their blood sugar levels regularly, or as advised by their doctor.

Also Read: Can Stress Alone Cause Heart Disease?

#4 Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, often called an ECG, records the electrical activity of the heart. It can help detect abnormal heart rhythms, signs of previous heart attacks, or other heart conditions.
Most healthy adults do not need a routine ECG unless they have symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat. Your doctor may also recommend one if you have risk factors or a strong family history of heart disease.

#5 Heart Risk Assessment

Many doctors use a heart risk assessment to estimate your chance of developing heart disease over the next 10 years. This assessment combines information such as your age, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, diabetes, weight, and family history.

The results help doctors decide whether lifestyle changes alone are enough or whether medicines, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs or blood pressure tablets, may be beneficial.

Also Read: Could Your Routine Be Hurting Your Heart? 7 Habits That Are Bad For Heart Health

When to See a Doctor

With rising incidences of heart disease in people of all age groups, it has become important to be vigilant and notice potential symptoms that may indicate a problematic heart.

If you experience issues like chest pain, breathlessness, excessive sweating, radiating pain in the jaws, arms, and back, swelling in the legs, and unexplained fatigue, see your doctor immediately. Timely diagnosis can save your life.

Final Word

Getting regular health tests done helps in preventing serious heart problems. Most of these tests can predict early risk, which helps the doctors make the right treatment approach to reduce the risk. However, getting tested alone won’t help unless you improve your lifestyle and make necessary modifications to support heart health.