Just as it sounds, heart doctors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart-related conditions. They are trained to address issues that are specific to the heart and blood vessels.
Common conditions that may warrant your referral to a heart doctor in Singapore include coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), heart failure, and congenital heart defects. Heart doctors also treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors that can lead to heart problems.
They also focus on preventive care. That said, for anyone experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats, the best next course of action is to see a heart doctor.
At What Age Should I Get My Heart Checked?
The risks of several diseases increase with age. If you’re worried about your heart health you may constantly wonder; at what age should I get my heart checked?
Now, according to the American Heart Association, heart health checks should begin at age 20. You want to begin your heart health checks early to allow for the detection of potential risk factors, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, even before symptoms appear.
As you’d imagine, timely intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into serious heart conditions. Here is a quick summary on when you should start visiting your heart doctor in Singapore:
Early Screening
From age 20, basic heart health checks are recommended. These include monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Regular screenings at this age establish a baseline for your heart health. They help in the identification of any abnormalities early before they can get out of hand.
Increased Frequency After 40
As you age, the risk of heart disease increases. After turning 40, consider more frequent checkups, particularly if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity become more prevalent with age. Regular monitoring ensures timely interventions and reduces the risk of complications.
Risk Factors Requiring More Frequent Checks
Persons with certain risk factors should prioritize heart health checks regardless of age. Key risk factors that may warrant frequent visits to your heart doctor in Singapore include;
- Having a family history of heart disease.
- Smoking damages blood vessels and increases heart disease risk.
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
- Diabetes, which significantly elevates cardiovascular risk and
- Obesity or physical inactivity, both of which strain the heart.
What Is the First Test to Check Your Heart?
If you’re worried about your heart health probably due to certain risk factors you may want to ask; what is the first test to check your heart? Now, when you visit a heart doctor in Singapore, they may start with several basic tests to assess your heart health.
These initial tests help identify any abnormalities and guide further diagnosis or treatment. The first step typically involves a physical exam. During this process, the doctor will:
- Check your pulse to assess your heart rate and rhythm and,
- Measure your blood pressure to assess the force of blood in your arteries. High or low blood pressure can indicate underlying heart issues.
Blood tests are another common starting point. They help identify potential problems such as:
- Blood protein levels: High proteins may point to potential heart damage.
- Cholesterol levels: High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) increase the risk of artery blockages.
- Blood sugar levels: High sugar levels can signal diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Depending on the results of the initial assessment, your doctor may recommend further tests like the electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress tests or chest X-ray. The ECG is a painless test that records your heart’s electrical activity.
It helps detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other issues. The echocardiogram is essentially an ultrasound scan of the heart that shows how it pumps blood.
It highlights any structural problems. Heart stress tests are used to assess the heart’s performance under physical exertion.
It’s often used to diagnose coronary artery disease. A chest X-ray can reveal the size of your heart and detect any enlargement or issues with your lungs.
How Do I Prepare for a Heart Test?
To ensure accurate results and a smooth experience, you will want to see to it that you get your preparation for a heart test spot on. Keep in mind that different tests may require specific preparations.
That said, it is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions closely. To prepare for a heart test, the first thing you will want to do is to inform your doctor about all the medications you take.
Disclose even the over-the-counter drugs and supplements you’re using. This is important because some medications may need to be adjusted or paused before the test to avoid interference with results.
If you enjoy caffeine and nicotine products, you will want to discontinue their usage for at least 24 hours before your test. These substances can affect your heart rate and may lead to inaccurate results.
Be mindful of hidden sources of caffeine like chocolate or certain medications. We also want to mention that certain heart tests, like blood tests or cardiac imaging, may require fasting.
This means refraining from eating or drinking (except water) for a specific period before the test. Your doctor will inform you if fasting is necessary.
On the day of your visit to the heart doctor in Singapore, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your chest area. For tests like an ECG, you may need to remove jewelry or clothing that could interfere with electrode placement. Here’s a quick summary of specific test preparations;
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Minimal preparation is needed, but you may be asked to remove any metal objects.
- Echocardiogram: Generally requires no preparation, unless it’s a stress echocardiogram, in which case fasting may be required.
- Stress Test: Avoid caffeine and nicotine, and wear comfortable shoes for walking or running on a treadmill.
- Cardiac CT Scan: Follow any fasting instructions provided by your doctor.
Closing Thoughts
Your heart health is crucial to your overall well-being. Start regular heart checks at age 20 and increase frequency after 40 as directed to prevent serious conditions.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Are you interested in learning more about heart tests or discovering which ones are recommended by a trusted heart doctor in Singapore?
Schedule your appointment today with an experienced heart specialist. Contact us using the details below:
Cadence Heart Centre (Dr. Devinder Singh)
Heart Screening | Heart Check-Up | Heart Arrhythmia
3 Mount Elizabeth, Medical Centre, #14-13, Singapore 228510
Visit our website | Phone: +65 6369 8789
