Your heart pumps around 2000 liters of blood in a day and as a result, it beats around 100,000 times. It is a muscle organ destined to beat 2.5 billion times in its life span. And these baffling facts are a reminder of the work the heart does so that you can live. In any case, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), heart conditions remain the most significant cause of death in the entire world, approximately 17.9 million people die from such diseases every year. Worst of all is that 85% of such deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes that, in a fair number of cases, would not have occurred with timely treatment and advice.
SAAOL Heartcare has treated more than 600,000 heart patients and has shocking information to share. Are you aware that over 50% of heart attacks are silent? This indicates that they occur with no even minimal signs. This figure further underlines the necessity of SAAOL’s routine heart check-up to investigate precise anomalies that are present and act before they induce critical disorders or fatalities.
If, however, you have never been bothered to get heart checkups once in a while, you might want to change your mind now. This blog will examine the reasons why heart checkups should be done on a regular basis, the individuals who should have these checks, and the components of these assessments.
A Heart Health Check-Up Description: The Big Picture
- The rising burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
As one of the leading causes of death, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent nearly one in three all-cause deaths globally, and more than 80% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Heart disease alone is responsible for 28% of all deaths in the country, according to the Global Burden of Disease Report. This epidemic is due to sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, overeating, stress, and increasing rates of obesity. Heart health assessments can spot warning signs early allowing for prompt interventions and lifestyle changes.
- Ever heard about Silent Killers? Asymptomatic Conditions
Diseases like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes may have no symptoms until they are advanced. In fact, according to World Health Organisation (WHO), 1.28 billion people in the age group of 30-79 years have hypertension. Alarmingly, nearly 46% of these people do not even know that they are ill, as less than half are diagnosed and treated. Because these diseases are silent killers, regular screenings can identify them and help prevent irreversible harm to your heart and blood vessels.
- Early Detection saves lives
Frontier studies have shown that early detection and management of risk factors can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 80%. Routine heart check-ups enable doctors to evaluate crucial indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, offering a detailed picture of cardiovascular health.
What Happens During Regular Heart Checkups?
a) Comprehensive History and Risk Assessment
Your doctor will examine your personal and family medical history, lifestyle choices, and existing conditions. Factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and food are critical in determining your risk of heart disease.
b) Significant Diagnostic Tests
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Hypertension is a significant risk for almost any cardiovascular condition, and therefore, it needs to be controlled at around 120/80 mm Hg. Regular monitoring helps ensure that this risk does not worsen.
- Cholesterol Profile (Lipid Panel): Cholesterol that is considered “bad”, low-density lipoprotein, is responsible for the formation of plaques within blood vessels. A lipid panel summary includes levels of HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Doctors regularly check blood glucose levels in patients with a higher risk of developing diabetes to prevent heart-related diseases. Regular fasting blood glucose or glucose tolerance tests assist in detecting these conditions in the early stages.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This procedure records the heartbeat pattern of a person experiencing any unusual activity, such as heart rhythms and a history of heart attack, using electrical impulses.
- Using a treadmill and exercise stress test, it is possible to evaluate how the heart normally works during physical exercise and determine whether there are blockages or ischemia.
- Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to take images of the heart’s anatomy and functions and assess imperfections in its valves and chambers.
- CT Angiography (CTA): This CT scanning device is completely safe even for children as it is not subject to X-rays and is used for producing and constructing images of vascular structures and soft tissues. In SAAOL, advanced CT scan technology is used by doctors during the procedure to view the coronary vessels within the heart and in other regions of the body, thus making it possible to diagnose and manage heart diseases.
Who Should Have Regular Heart Checkups?
- People with high-risk factors
- Age: Men over 45 and women over 55 are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Also, not to forget that SAAOL has seen a significant increase in early-age cardiac arrests and heart attacks as early as 40 years.
- Family background: Immediate family members are more likely to suffer cardiac problems if your other family members also suffered from it or if heart disease runs in the family throughout generations.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity are all highly responsible for increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Patients with pre-existing conditions.
If you have diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or chronic renal disease, regular cardiac exams are very much required for you as all these conditions affect heart function also.
- General Population
Even seemingly healthy people should schedule annual heart check-ups after age 30. This proactive approach can help people identify hidden risk factors and make informed health decisions.
The Benefits of Regular Heart Check-ups with SAAOL
a) A personalized health roadmap
Regular check-ups enable doctors to design personalized health programs that address individual risk factors and guide lifestyle adjustments. These customized strategies keep you on track for optimal cardiovascular health.
b) Preventing major events
Routine checks can detect warnings. Early detection of indications such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, or arterial blockages can help prevent heart attacks and stroke.
c) Cost savings in the long term
Preventive therapy is significantly more affordable than treating advanced heart disease. Early detection minimizes the need for costly treatments and hospitalizations.
d) Peace of mind
Knowing that your heart is in good shape decreases worry and pushes you to continue practicing healthy practices.
How to Prepare for a Heart Check-up
- List your symptoms and concerns: Note any odd symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or exhaustion.
- Bring Medical Records: Doctors can analyze your history by reviewing previous test results and prescription lists.
- Fasting Requirements: Some tests require fasting and some do not. Consult SAAOL heart specialists to confirm the guidelines.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Any stress test is a part of the check-up; comfortable clothing is required to have your heart diagnosed without any discomfort.
Expert Perspectives: Why You Shouldn’t Delay
Dr. Bimal Chhajer, a pioneer in non-invasive heart treatment, says, “Heart disease does not start overnight. It is the product of years of neglect and poor lifestyle decisions. Regular check-ups act as a wake-up call that helps people to reset and prioritize their health.”
He emphasizes that heart health is more than just a medical issue; it is also a societal one. Preventative care has never been more important with sedentary lifestyles and increasing stress levels.
Take the first step today!
Your heart works diligently to keep you alive; isn’t it time you returned the favor? Regular heart checks are a minor investment with life-saving benefits. Whether you’re handling current situations or attempting to prevent them, these evaluations offer clarity, guidance, and empowerment.
As we manage the complications of modern life, remember that good health is at the heart of everything we do. Make 2025 the year you dedicate to your heart’s health. Schedule your heart check-up with SAAOL today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier tomorrow.