Heart Check-Ups Made Easy: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Coronary heart disease has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to WHO data from 2019, 17.9 million lives were lost to this condition. Nearly all cases of coronary heart disease are linked to unhealthy lifestyle habits, including smoking, lack of physical activity, and poor diet choices.

Therefore, regular health check-ups are highly recommended to enable early detection and prevent complications of coronary heart disease. These screenings are recommended for everyone aged 18 and older.

Who Should Get A Heart Health Screening?

• Patients with risk factors, such as smoking habits or obesity
• Patients with elevated lipid profiles, blood sugar, or blood pressure
• Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle (limited physical activity)
• Those with a family history of coronary heart disease

The schedule for heart health screenings varies based on a person's age and risk factors. Generally, it is recommended that individuals aged 45 and older have a screening every year.

Preparing for a Medical Check-Up (MCU)

• Make sure to get plenty of rest and sleep before your check-up
• Try to fast for about 12 hours prior to the examination
• Let the medical team know about any medications you’re taking, as some drugs, like beta blockers, can affect test results

The screening starts with a medical history interview (anamnesis) and a physical examination by a general practitioner. Following this, a series of assessments is conducted, including evaluations of vital signs, body composition analysis, and laboratory tests to assess organ function and identify biomarkers related to heart disease risk, such as lipid profiles, Hs-Troponin I, and lipoproteins. Additional tests, such as electrocardiograms, treadmill stress tests, echocardiography, and CT heart scans, may also be performed as necessary.

The Executive Health Check-Up team and experienced specialists at RS Pondok Indah Group will thoroughly analyze all the results. During a final consultation session, a cardiologist and a nutritionist will review the check-up report with you and provide personalized recommendations as well as follow-up plans.

The Executive Health Check-Up at RS Pondok Indah Hospital provides a variety of heart check-up packages, using the latest technology for optimal heart health assessment. All procedures are conveniently carried out in a one-stop service area. Patients can enjoy VIP lounge access, Wi-Fi, and breakfast and lunch buffets within a 5-star hotel-inspired setting.

Comprehensive heart check-up packages are available at all three RS Pondok Indah Group branches. Consult with the Executive Health Check-Up team at RS Pondok Indah Group to select a check-up package that best suits your needs.

Reference:

1. Mayo Clinic. Heart disease - Diagnosis and treatment. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353124). Accessed on 16 November 2024.
2. Mayo Clinic. Strategies to prevent heart disease. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease-prevention/art-20046502). Accessed on 16 November 2024.
3. Mayo Clinic. Blood tests for heart disease. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20049357). Accessed on 16 November 2024.
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Introduction - Screening for Cardiovascular Disease Risk. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525437/). Accessed on 16 November 2024.
5. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Screening for Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Subsequent Outcomes. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK5804497/). Accessed on 16 November 2024.
6. StatPearls. Cardiovascular Disease Screening. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507836/). Accessed on 16 November 2024.