Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body, and keeping it healthy should be a priority. Heart disease is the leading cause of serious health complications, making regular heart screenings essential for early detection and treatment. In Singapore, heart specialists recommend several tests to assess heart health and detect potential issues.
At Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic, we provide comprehensive heart screenings and personalised care to help patients manage their cardiovascular health. This article will walk you through eight common tests you can expect during a heart check-up at a heart specialist clinic.
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps detect irregular heart rhythms, previous heart attacks, and other cardiac problems.
How is it performed?
Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes capture electrical signals from your heart and display them as wave patterns on a monitor or graph.
When is it needed?
An ECG is commonly performed if you have symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. It is also a routine diagnostic test for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. Echocardiogram
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. It is widely used in general cardiology to assess how well the heart is pumping blood and to detect heart valve disorders.
How is it performed?
A small probe is placed on your chest, which emits high-frequency sound waves. These waves bounce off the heart and create images on a screen.
When is it needed?
This test is recommended for patients with symptoms of heart failure, previous heart attacks, or suspected heart structure conditions.
3. Stress Test
What is a stress test?
A stress test evaluates how well your heart works during physical exertion. It helps detect coronary artery disease and assess overall heart function.
Types of Stress Tests
- Treadmill ECG: You walk on a treadmill while connected to an ECG machine that monitors your heart’s response to exercise.
- Stress Echocardiography: This combines an echocardiogram with a stress test to visually check how the heart moves under stress.
How is it performed?
You will either walk on a treadmill or receive medication to make your heart work harder. Doctors monitor your heart’s activity throughout the process.
When is it needed?
This test is recommended for individuals with suspected coronary artery disease or those experiencing chest pain during physical activity.
4. CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
What is a CT Coronary Angiography?
This specialised cardiac CT scan provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, helping detect blockages or abnormalities that may lead to heart attacks or cause for angina like chest discomfort.
How is it performed?
A contrast dye is injected into a vein, and a CT scanner takes multiple images of your heart and blood vessels.
When is it needed?
This test is useful for patients who are suspected to have coronary artery disease, especially those with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease or risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a strong family history of cardiovascular disease.
5. Blood Tests for Heart Health
What do blood tests check?
Blood tests measure key markers that indicate heart health and potential risks for cardiovascular disease.
Common Blood Tests for Heart Health
- Risk factors for heart disease
- Basic Cholesterol Test (LDL and HDL) and advanced cholesterol tests: Measures levels of ‘bad’ and ‘good’ cholesterol, and associated risks for heart disease.
- Blood glucose assessment tests
- Kidney and liver function tests
- High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP): Detects inflammation linked to heart disease.
- Cardiac Biomarkers: Identify signs of a recent heart attack or heart failure.
When are they needed?
Doctors recommend blood tests for individuals at risk of heart disease, those with a family history, or those experiencing symptoms like chest pain or fatigue.
6. Holter Monitoring
What is Holter Monitoring?
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device that continuously records your heart’s activity over 24 to 48 hours or longer.
How is it performed?
Small electrodes are attached to your chest, and the device is worn around your waist or over your shoulder. It tracks your heart rhythm while you go about your daily activities.
When is it needed?
Holter monitoring is recommended for patients experiencing unexplained dizziness, palpitations, or irregular heartbeats that may not be detected in a standard ECG.
It is also needed to evaluate for cause of vascular stroke.
7. Cardiac MRI
What is a Cardiac MRI?
A cardiac MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. It provides a clear picture of the heart’s structure and function.
How is it performed?
You lie inside a large MRI scanner while radio waves generate images of your heart. Contrast dye may be used to highlight certain areas.
When is it needed?
Doctors use cardiac MRI to diagnose conditions like heart muscle diseases, congenital heart defects, or damage from previous heart attacks.
8. Coronary Calcium Scan
What is a Coronary Calcium Scan?
A coronary calcium scan measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which may indicate early-stage atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).
How is it performed?
This test uses a CT scanner to capture detailed images of the coronary arteries and detect calcium buildup. There is no need for injection of IV contrast liquid.
When is it needed?
This test is useful for patients who have renal impairment who are suspected to have coronary artery disease, especially those with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease or risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a strong family history of cardiovascular disease. This test is usually used in conjunction with stress test for comprehensive assessment for coronary artery disease in individuals with renal impairment.
Prioritise Your Heart Health with Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic
Regular heart check-ups at a trusted cardiology clinic play a crucial role in the early detection and management of heart conditions. By undergoing these essential tests, you take a proactive step toward protecting your heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
At Gerard Leong Cardiology Clinic, we provide comprehensive cardiac care. Our experienced heart specialist and medical team provide a full range of heart screening and diagnostic tests, including echocardiography, stress tests, CT coronary angiography, and pacemaker assessments. Whether you need a routine surveillance heart check-up or advanced interventional cardiology treatments such as angioplasty, our clinic is here to support you.
If you are considering a heart screening, book an appointment with our heart specialist clinic today. Contact us for expert advice and personalised heart care tailored to your needs.