Cardiac health check-ups are important procedures that can help one stay updated about their heart's current condition. Some individuals are more likely to suffer from these kinds of diseases. Factors, such as family history, obesity, age, smoking habits and several others can play a vital role in determining whether one has a predisposition for cardiac conditions. But knowing when to undergo a health check up for the heart is crucial. Here, we share an in-depth guide related to cardiac health checks-ups in Kolkata.
When to undergo cardiac health check-ups?
People aged over 40 should start undergoing advanced heart check-ups at least once every year. At risk are the people who have a family history of heart disease, people who smoke and those suffering from other diseases, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Besides the routine check ups each year, individuals should also get their heart function tested whenever they feel tightness of chest, pain, breathlessness, or palpitations. These symptoms could be indicative of blockage or impending heart attacks and require immediate attention.
Assessing heart function at the right time can lead to early detection of certain conditions, which can help reach desired outcomes from treatment. It can also prevent any potential complications from occurring. Doctors can advise a person on the frequency of such health check-ups for the best results.
Advanced cardiac monitoring
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An ECG studies the rhythm of the heart and can detect any irregularities in its beating. Such tests can be highly useful in diagnosing arrhythmias. Or an ECG could hint at an underlying problem, encouraging physicians to follow up with more tests.
- Echocardiography: This unique test uses sound waves to create a detailed 3D model of the heart and its chambers. Doctors can then study the model in great detail to determine whether the heart's physiology or functionalities are compromised in any way.
- Coronary calcium scoring: Using a CT scan, doctors can determine the amount of calcium that has deposited in the coronary arteries. When the calcium level is too high, it could be indicative of a condition, known as atherosclerosis. This condition significantly increases the risk of heart attacks. Detection of the condition during its early stages allows doctors to enforce lifestyle changes and prescribe medications to control the calcium buildup.
- Holter monitoring: Holter monitors are special machines that people have to wear for 24-48 hours. It records the heart beat and rhythm in that period, enabling doctors to later check whether there were some irregularities. Such a test is generally reserved for people suspected of suffering from arrhythmias.
- Advanced blood tests: Advanced lipid profiling provides a more in-depth analysis of your lipid levels. This includes measuring LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides. Such detailed insights enable a better understanding of your cardiovascular risk, facilitating targeted dietary and medical interventions.
In addition to lipid profiling, advanced blood tests can measure biomarkers like B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and troponin. Elevated BNP levels could indicate heart failure, while troponin is released into the bloodstream after heart muscle damage. - Exercise stress test/ treadmill test: In these types of advanced testing, the patient's heart functionality is checked when under stress. Generally, the person is asked to run on a treadmill, while data regarding the heart is collected using various sensors.
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cardiology department. We are outfitted with a modular ICCU, featuring 30 beds. Our department also comprises of modular operation theatres, cath lab and more. In these state-of-the-art facilities, our doctors can perform a range of cardiac procedures, including open heart surgeries, closed heart surgeries, coronary angiogram, thoracic surgeries of all kinds and much more. Our minimally invasive cardiac surgery enables doctors to perform bypass surgeries while causing minimal discomfort for patients.
