What to Expect During a Cardiac Screening

When it comes to health, your heart deserves extra attention. Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death globally, with millions of lives affected annually. However, many heart conditions develop silently, without noticeable symptoms, until they become critical. Proactive heart screenings allow early detection of potential issues, giving you the opportunity to take preventive actions before problems arise.

At Gleneagles Hospitals, we offer comprehensive cardiac screening designed to assess your heart health accurately. These are tailored to identify risks like hypertension, high cholesterol, or irregular heart rhythms—conditions that could lead to severe complications if untreated. Whether you are at high risk due to family history, lifestyle factors, or age, these tests can be a lifesaver.

Tests Included in Cardiac Screening

A cardiac screening typically includes several essential tests to assess your heart’s condition. Below are three primary components you can expect:

A. Blood Tests

Blood tests provide critical insights into your overall health and heart risk factors:

• Full Blood Count (FBC): Measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets to assess overall health and detect conditions like anaemia, infection, and blood disorders.
• Liver Function Profile: Evaluates the health of the liver by measuring enzymes (e.g., ALT, AST), proteins (e.g., albumin), and bilirubin levels, helping diagnose liver damage or disease.
• Kidney Function Profile: Assesses kidney health by measuring levels of creatinine, urea, and electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium), aiding in detecting kidney damage or dysfunction.
• Fasting Blood Sugar: Tests glucose levels after fasting to diagnose or monitor diabetes and prediabetes, a condition linked to heart disease.
• HbA1c: Reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, used for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes management.
• Cholesterol Levels: Monitoring cholesterol helps identify whether you are at risk for coronary artery disease.
• Lipid Profiles: Assessing good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels gives a more detailed understanding of your heart health.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Measures the pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid activity, aiding in diagnosing thyroid disorders.
• Free T3: Measures the free triiodothyronine hormone in the blood to evaluate thyroid function and diagnose hyperthyroidism or related disorders.
• Free T4: Determines the free thyroxine hormone levels, providing insights into thyroid activity and helping diagnose conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is a painless, non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of your heart, which includes the rate and rhythm.

C. Stress Test

The stress test evaluates how your heart responds to physical exertion, providing deeper insights into its functionality:

During the test, electrodes are attached to your chest and connected to an electrocardiography (ECG) machine to monitor your heart's electrical activity. You will exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike, with the intensity gradually increasing. Throughout the test, your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and overall symptoms are closely observed.

If you are unable to exercise, medication may be administered to simulate the effects of physical activity on your heart. The primary purpose of a stress test is to detect any lack of blood supply to the heart, determine appropriate levels of physical activity, and assess the severity of any existing heart conditions. It is a safe procedure, with healthcare professionals monitoring you throughout to address any unusual responses. 

Prepare for Your Cardiac Screening

Proper preparation ensures better results and a smooth experience during your cardiac screening. Follow these essential tips:

A. Fasting Requirements

Certain blood tests, such as those measuring glucose and lipid levels, require fasting for 8-12 hours:

• Why is fasting important: Fasting ensures that test results are not affected by recent food or drink intake.
• When to start fasting: It is best to begin fasting the night before your appointment.

B. Medication Guidelines

Managing your medications is crucial to avoid any interference with test results:

• Consult your doctor: Some medications might need to be temporarily paused.
• Bring a list of medications: Ensure your healthcare provider is aware of all supplements and prescriptions you are taking.

C. Wear Comfortable Clothes

For tests like the stress test and ECG, you will need to move comfortably:

• Light and breathable attire: This makes it easier for the medical staff to attach ECG electrodes and for you to perform physical activities.
• Running Shoes or Sneakers: Ideal footwear ensures comfort during any treadmill exercises.

What to Expect During the Screening

Once you arrive at Gleneagles Hospitals, the process is straightforward and well-organised to ensure a seamless experience. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Check-in and Initial Consultation: Upon arrival, you will be greeted by friendly staff who will guide you through the registration process. You will provide personal health information, including any symptoms or family history of heart conditions. This will help the medical team tailor your screening.
2. The Testing Phase: Each test will be conducted by trained professionals. Blood tests will be taken first to minimise discomfort after fasting. The ECG will follow, involving the attachment of electrodes to your chest to monitor heart rhythms. Finally, you may undergo a stress test on a treadmill to assess your heart’s performance under physical activity.
3. Review of Results: After completing all the tests, you will consult a cardiologist who will review your results. If any irregularities or risks are detected, the doctor will discuss appropriate follow-up steps or lifestyle changes. A clear summary of your heart health will be provided, giving you peace of mind and actionable advice for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of monitoring blood pressure?

   Monitoring blood pressure helps detect hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease, allowing early intervention and lifestyle adjustments.

2. What role does diet play in heart health?

   A heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, salt, and added sugars, and high in fibre, lean protein, and vegetables helps reduce heart disease risk.

3. What is an arrhythmia, and how is it treated?

   An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. Treatment varies from lifestyle changes to medications or procedures like pacemaker installation.

4. Can heart disease be reversed with lifestyle changes?

   While lifestyle changes cannot reverse all heart disease, they can improve heart health, and lower the risk of further complications.

5. What is angioplasty, and when is it performed?

   Angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, typically used to restore blood flow in patients with heart disease.

Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Taking care of your heart is one of the most important steps you can take towards a healthy life. Regular screenings not only help detect potential issues early but also provide reassurance and a roadmap to better heart health. With Gleneagles Hospitals’ cardiac screening packages, you receive comprehensive evaluations by experienced cardiologists, using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools.

If you have questions about cardiac screening, get in touch with us to book an appointment at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals to receive professional advice to help kickstart your health journey. To make an appointment for health screening, please contact the health screening centre at the Gleneagles Hospitals nearest to you.