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Why are Heart Check-Ups Important?
Heart disease remains one of the main causes of mortality globally, it takes almost 18 million lives every year according to the World Health Organization. However, frequent heart check-ups can greatly lower risks by recognising early warning signs and providing a clear insight into your heart's condition.
This article will guide you through the key parts of your heart check-up, making it simpler for you to understand the results and plan your next move for a healthier heart. Knowing what these numbers mean not only helps you manage your condition, but also helps in preventing complications before they occur.
What are the Main Components of Your Heart Check-Up Results?
1. Cholesterol Levels
- LDL ("Bad") vs. HDL ("Good") Cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol can lead to an accumulation of plaque in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, while HDL sends LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and returns to the liver.
- Optimal vs. High-Risk Ranges
- LDL levels less than 2.59 mmol/L are optimal for most adults, while HDL beyond 1.55 mmol/L is deemed protective.
- Lifestyle Changes to Improve Cholesterol
- Decreasing saturated fats, exercising frequently, and an intake of omega-3-rich foods in your diet can aid in optimising your cholesterol profile.
2. Blood Pressure Measurement
- Systolic vs. Diastolic Values
- The top number in a blood pressure reading is called systolic pressure, it determines how much force the heart is using to pump blood into the arteries. The bottom number is called diastolic pressure, it shows you the pressure in your blood vessels during the period between heartbeats.
- Normal vs. Hypertensive Readings
Ideal (normal) blood pressure
- 120/80 mmHg
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- < 90/60mmHg
Elevated blood pressure
- Systolic (upper number): 120 – 129 mm Hg
- Diastolic (lower number): < 80 mm Hg
Stage I hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Systolic (upper number): 130 – 139 mm Hg
- Diastolic (lower number): 80 – 89 mm Hg
Stage II hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Systolic (upper number): > 140 mm Hg
- Diastolic (lower number): > 90 mm Hg
Hypertensive crisis
- > 180/120 mm Hg
- Needs prompt medical attention
- Risks of Untreated Hypertension
- If high blood pressure is left unmanaged, it can cause heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Stress management and limitation of sodium intake can help with that.
3. ECG (Electrocardiogram) Results
A fast and straightforward test, an ECG gives you a snapshot of the electrical activity of your heart, helping detect irregularities in its rhythm and operation.
4. Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram, also known as a heart ultrasound, is a non-invasive procedure that produces moving images of the heart using sound waves, helping doctors assess its structure and operation. You do not feel any pain during the procedure, it is radiation-free and usually lasts less than an hour. It helps diagnose conditions such as heart murmurs, valve issues, congenital defects, and complications from heart attacks or strokes.
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be carried out for clearer images, this involves a probe inserted into the esophagus. Echocardiography is important for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
How are Results Interpreted and What are the Next Steps?
Understanding the types of parameters that evaluate the structure, function, and general health of the heart is necessary to interpret heart screening test results. Try not to panic if any results are beyond the normal range. Your doctor will explain what your results mean and discuss the next steps to improve your heart health, which involves diet changes, exercises, or medication if necessary. Frequent follow-ups can aid you in maintaining your heart health.
Schedule an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals
Your heart check-up results offer important information about your heart health, enabling you to make well-informed decisions regarding your well-being. It does not matter if your results indicate healthy values or areas of concern, every heart check-up is a chance to take active steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Minor changes such as switching to a heart-friendly diet, involving yourself in frequent physical activity, and managing stress, can greatly decrease your risk of heart disease as time passes.
If you have inquiries about heart screening, get in touch with us to book an appointment at your nearest Pantai Hospital 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 Pantai Hospital nearest to you.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
