Top 5 Benefits of Cardiac Health Check-Up

In a developing nation like India, one person succumbs to heart disease every 40 seconds. Annual mortality nears a million due to cardiovascular complications. Regrettably, heart disease remains the number 1 killer globally. Preventative cardiology, including a regular cardiac health checkup, is the gold standard to prevent health scare events. Gen Z, once occasional visitors to the doctor, now faces common impediments like obesity, smoking, and diabetes. Regular cardiac health checkups are crucial for early detection and prevention.

The Top 5 Benefits of Regular Check-ups in the context of Cardiac health care:

Many heart ailments and their risk factors go undetected without regular heart check-ups and health screenings. Prophylactic healthcare can help you and your doctors familiarize and find potential health issues, before they develop into something more dangerous. With regular heart check-ups, you can expect to:

1. Discover conditions or diseases early and reduce your chances of illness
2. Obtain the right interventions quickly and Improve productivity at work
3. Create a flow chart of health conditions over time and reduce overall healthcare costs 
4. Receive the most current medical treatment and up-to-date technologies and practices for a healthy life style and 
5. Create a better relationship with your doctor

Screening Tests for Optimal Cardiovascular Health

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is one of the most important screening test because high blood pressure usually is asymptomatic and can go detected without continuous health check-up . Increased and untreated blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes or medication. Elderly women, particularly post-menopausal women have a higher risk of high blood pressure than men. Elderly women are requested for regular blood pressure check-up even if asymptomatic. 

Fasting Lipid Profile (cholesterol, triglycerides and other allied tests)

Everyone is advised a fasting lipoprotein profile taken every four years, starting at age 20. This is a simple blood test that measures total cholesterol, Low density cholesterol (LDL), High density cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides among other tests. Repeated Lipid profile investigations help your consulting physician in determining the road ahead in the context of heart ailments.

Complete blood count and Hemogram

A basic blood count including hemoglobin, blood cell indices, Total leucocyte count and platelet count gives a wealth of information to your family physician. This test is ancient, however accurate results combined with quality checks ensures patients are not burdened.

Body Weight

Starting around your 3rd decade, your family physician may ask for your waist circumference or use your body weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI) during your routine visit. About two of every three adults are now overweight or obese and hence disease-free survival or morbidity directly correlates with increase in unhealthy caloric intake. Being obese puts the patient at higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and is also a associated risk factor for Carcinoma of the Breast, Colon and Endometrium.

Blood Glucose

Starting at age 45, Everyone is advised to voluntarily check your blood glucose level as frequently as possible. Diabetes is a major preventable risk factor to heart ailments. Elevated blood glucose levels increase the likelihood of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to many major medical problems including heart disease and stroke. If overweight individuals have at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, for example smoking or a close relative with hypertension, your doctor may recommend a blood glucose test even if you’re not yet symptomatic.

Kidney function tests

These tests include the blood urea, serum creatinine, uric acid levels and electrolytes. As age advances, concomitant reduction in kidney functions is imminent. However, your regular health check up will reduce your morbidity and frequent trips to the hospital. Regular health check up will help in reducing chances of life long dialysis too.

Conclusion

Regular cardiac health checkups offer preventive care, early detection, peace of mind, lifestyle guidance, and vital insight, ensuring comprehensive cardiovascular well-being.