The rising trend of heart problems in not just older adults, but people in their 20s and 30s has become a global concern. As heart attacks and strokes become more prevalent among people, it is crucial to focus on regular screening and early detection. This is particularly important for those who have pre-existing health conditions or a family history of cardiovascular issues, says Dr Zakia Khan, Senior Director-Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Khan explains the importance of getting a heart screening and discusses the right time to get it done.
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Importance Of Getting A Heart Screening
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 1.79 crore deaths, of which 85% were attributed to heart attacks and strokes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In India, heart-related ailments are the top cause of mortality, many of which could be prevented if timely diagnosis and lifestyle changes were made, said Dr Khan, adding that by getting regular heart tests, even when you feel alright, helps ensure that you do not suffer from possible cardiac complications later in life.
"This is precisely why regular preventive health check-ups and doctor consultations are recommended annually. These tests can go a long way in diagnosing a condition that could otherwise become fatal,” he added.
Who Should Get A Heart Check-Up Regularly
There is no age limit to who can get a heart health check up. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some heart screenings should start as early as age 20.
However, certain groups of people should go for heart check ups regularly.
"Individuals with diabetes and hypertension are at an increased risk of developing cardiac diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Both of these conditions are silent killers and can have a huge impact on cardiovascular health. Therefore, timely screening and monitoring are crucial for early detection and management," said Dr Khan.
Furthermore, he advised to get further tests if a cardiologist suspects a greater risk of getting heart-related conditions.
When Is The Right Time To Get Your Heart Screened?
Dr Khan said regular heart examinations and screenings should begin at 20 years old, and these should be repeated every 2-4 years.
Besides heart screening tests, a person should also get their blood pressure levels, cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference examined from their early twenties, he added.
Additionally, blood glucose monitoring should start in the thirties as all the conditions mentioned above can later become significant risk factors for cardiovascular issues, he explained further. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends testing for prediabetes and risk for future diabetes at age 45 years and repeated testing at a minimum of 3-year intervals, in case everything is normal.
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Essential Tests To Assess Heart Health
Here are some of the essential tests for heart diseases:
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Exercise stress test, which evaluate how hard the heart needs to work during strenuous activities
- Echocardiogram (Heart ultrasound)
- Coronary angiogram or Coronary Computed Tomography (CT) Angiogram, which checks whether blood flow to and from the heart is reduced or blocked
Dr Khan said, "The best part is that when performed at recommended intervals, with due consideration given to family and medical history, these tests can provide the specialist valuable insights into a person’s overall heart health."