The heart is one of the most important organs that pumps blood throughout the body and delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells while regulating blood pressure and controlling heart rate. Therefore, a healthy heart is indicated by an average resting heart rate, blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg, and steady breathing during moderate-intensity physical activity.
However, even if a person suffers from any irregularities associated with their heart, it may not be that easy to catch initially. Therefore, doctors often recommend regular health checkups and screenings to monitor cardiovascular and overall health.
Regular checkups examine risk variables, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which are essential for the early detection of cardiac problems.
Health checkups assist in identifying possible issues before symptoms show up, enabling early management. Different types of tests can help assess heart functions, such as stress tests or electrocardiograms (ECG).
Critical screening tests to monitor cardiovascular health may include:
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Blood pressure Levels: Blood pressure should be checked at each regular healthcare visit or annually if it is below 120/80 mm Hg.
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Cholesterol levels: Cholesterol levels should be tested every 4-6 years for adults at normal risk, with more frequent tests for those at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Blood glucose levels: Blood glucose tests should be conducted at least every three years.
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Body Mass Index (BMI)
Additionally, specific symptoms may indicate the need for health checkup and further heart evaluation, may include:
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath, is also known as dyspnoea, can be a symptom of many heart conditions, including heart failure, Coronary Heart Disease (CAD), and abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. In some instances, breathlessness may indicate lung problems like asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer. This is why getting our heart and lungs examined regularly is crucial to rule out any serious condition.
Chest pain
Chest pain is one of the prominent signs of heart-related problems. It can be characterized by pressure, fullness, burning, or tightness in the chest. In the event of a heart attack, people may experience crushing or searing pain that spreads to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, and one or both arms.
Unexplained fatigue
Persistent tiredness without any particular cause can indicate a range of health problems, including cardiovascular problems. When fatigue doesn’t improve with rest, it may be a sign that the heart is struggling to supply adequate nutrients and oxygen to the body. This could be due to conditions such as heart disease, where the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised. Chronic fatigue can also be a symptom of heart failure, a condition that occurs when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood for your body’s needs.
Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are mostly harmless. However, they can be indicative of more serious conditions. While factors like stress, anxiety, panic attacks, lack of sleep, and intense exercise can trigger palpitations, they can also be signs of arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats that may harm the heart, brain, or other organs. Arrhythmias can lead to severe complications such as stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest. If you experience persistent heart palpitations, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to assess our heart health and address any potential issues.
Other Reasons for Regular Health Checkups
Regular heart and health screenings are often recommended for older adults, people with pre-existing heart conditions, or those with risk factors for heart diseases.
Heart disease risk increases significantly due to lifestyle factors like smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities, and drinking too much alcohol. Obesity, irregular sleep habits, and long-term stress further increases heart-related problems.
These conditions increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by causing diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
It is recommended everyone must undergo regular health checkups when a person has any of these behaviors or conditions, like obesity or high blood pressure. Quickly identifying and managing these hazards helps avoid chronic cardiac issues. To book a health checkup – CLICK HERE.
