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When was the last time you got your heart checked?
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles are becoming the norm, heart disease is no longer an issue limited to the elderly. Young adults in their 30s are increasingly being diagnosed with hypertension, high cholesterol, and even early heart disease.
But here’s the good news — many of these conditions are preventable and manageable if detected early.
That’s where regular heart screenings come in. This guide will help you understand why they matter, what tests you should take, and how you can stay ahead of potential heart problems.
Synopsis
Why Are Heart Screenings Important?
1. Silent Nature of Heart Diseases
Most heart conditions, including high blood pressure and blocked arteries, don’t show symptoms early. That’s why early detection of heart disease through heart health screenings is critical. It gives you the chance to take action before the condition becomes life-threatening.
2. Risk Factor Assessment
Cardiovascular risk assessment involves identifying personal and lifestyle-related risks like:
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Cholesterol and blood pressure testing
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Blood sugar monitoring
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Obesity and diet patterns
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Family history
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Smoking or alcohol habits
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Physical inactivity
Knowing your risks early helps you and your doctor create a customised prevention or treatment plan.
3. Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
Routine ECG (Electrocardiogram) screening and stress tests can catch abnormalities before they cause heart attacks or strokes. Heart disease prevention is most effective when potential issues are caught and addressed early.
What Do Regular Heart Screenings Include?
1. Blood Pressure Check
A core part of cholesterol and blood pressure testing, this helps detect hypertension, one of the leading causes of heart disease.
2. Lipid Profile
Measures good and bad cholesterol levels. High LDL (bad cholesterol) can lead to arterial plaque, a key factor in heart attacks.
3. Blood Sugar Test
Diabetes significantly raises your risk of heart issues. Monitoring your glucose levels is a crucial step in cardiovascular risk assessment.
4. ECG (Electrocardiogram) Screening
This painless, non-invasive test records your heart's electrical activity and detects rhythm disturbances, prior heart attacks, and potential structural problems.
5. Echocardiogram
Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart, assessing its structure, valves, and overall function.
6. Stress Test
Evaluates how your heart performs under physical strain, revealing hidden issues that might not show up when you're at rest.
7. Inflammatory Markers
Tests like hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) help identify inflammation in blood vessels, which can signal early heart disease risk.
Who Should Get Screened?
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Adults aged 40 and above (or earlier if there's a family history)
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People with high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity
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Smokers and those with sedentary lifestyles
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Individuals with a family history of heart disease
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People experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue
How Often Should You Get Screened?
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Every 1-2 years for individuals with no known risk factors
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Annually or as recommended for those with existing health conditions or family history
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More frequently, if you're already diagnosed with any heart-related condition
Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Heart
1. Nourish Your Body with Heart-Healthy Foods
Choose a diet filled with colourful fruits, leafy green vegetables, whole grains like oats and brown rice, and lean proteins such as fish, lentils, and skinless poultry. Avoid trans fats and excessive sodium. A balanced plate fuels your body and keeps your arteries clear.
More reads: 5 Foods, 5 Exercises and 5 Things For A Healthy Heart
2. Move Your Body Regularly
Engage in moderate physical activity—like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming—for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. Regular movement helps manage weight, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall circulation.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight—especially around the waist—increases your risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Healthy weight management is central to preventive heart care.
4. Say No to Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking damages blood vessels and raises the risk of plaque buildup, while excessive alcohol can elevate blood pressure. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake dramatically improves heart and lung health.
5. Manage Stress Mindfully
Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure and emotional eating. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, journaling, or even professional therapy into your daily routine.
List of Tests and Their Purpose
|
Test Name |
Purpose |
Recommended Frequency |
|
Blood Pressure Test |
Detects hypertension, a major heart disease risk |
Every 1–2 years (more if elevated) |
|
Lipid Profile |
Checks levels of LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol |
Every 4–6 years (more often if abnormal) |
|
Blood Sugar (Fasting/Random) |
Identifies risk for diabetes and insulin resistance |
Annually, especially if overweight |
|
ECG (Electrocardiogram) Screening |
Detects irregular heartbeat, past heart attacks, and heart enlargement |
Every 1–2 years or if symptoms exist |
|
Echocardiogram |
Visualizes heart structure and function |
As advised by a doctor (especially for symptoms) |
|
Stress Test (Treadmill Test) |
Evaluates how your heart handles physical exertion |
If at high risk or showing symptoms |
|
hs-CRP (Inflammatory Marker) |
Detects inflammation linked to atherosclerosis |
Based on doctor’s recommendation |
|
BMI & Waist Circumference |
Assesses obesity-related heart risk |
Annually |
Conclusion
Manipal Hospitals Ghaziabad offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and heart screening services backed by experienced cardiologists and the latest medical technology. Whether it’s routine screening or advanced cardiac care, we are committed to your heart health.
Take charge of your heart health today.
Book your heart screening at Manipal Hospitals Ghaziabad and get the peace of mind you deserve.
Visit Manipal Hospitals Ghaziabad to schedule your appointment.
FAQ's
Start in your 20s if risk factors exist. For the general population, heart health screenings are recommended from age 40.
Absolutely. Many heart issues are silent. Early detection of heart disease can save lives even before symptoms appear.
ECG (Electrocardiogram) screening checks electrical signals, while echocardiograms visualize the heart's structure and motion.
If you're at low risk, every 1–2 years may suffice. High-risk individuals should opt for preventive heart care screenings annually.
Yes. Diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and regular cholesterol and blood pressure testing all contribute significantly to heart disease prevention.
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