Importance of heart health screenings - types & why it is important
                     ABOUT DOCTOR
Interventional 
Cardiologist
Apollo Hospitals, 
Indore
Dr. Sarita Rao is a Sr. Interventional Cardiologist at 
Apollo  Hospitals, Indore. She is the first female 
Interventional  Cardiologist in Central India. She is 
Fellow of American  College of Cardiology(FACC) 
and Fellow of European  Society of 
Cardiology(FESC)
For OPD Appointments Contact : +91 9893925000
OPD Timing at Apollo Hospitals, Indore: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Apollo Hospitals, Indore Sector D Rd, Scheme No 74C, Vijay 
Nagar, Indore.
OPD Timing at Clinic: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: 303, Third Floor, Vishal Astra, Opp. Satya Sai School, A.B Road, 
Indore, MP.
Importance of heart health screenings - 
types & why it is important
It's no secret that heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and it doesn't just 
strike the heart. Heart failure, stroke, renal disease, and artery disease can all be avoided 
with early identification.
The vitality of Cardiovascular Screening
The phrase "heart disease" represents various conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. 
It's common practice to use the terms "heart disease" and "cardiovascular disease" 
interchangeably.
Disorders in the blood vessels that supply the heart and other important organs are the root 
of this disease, a top global killer. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications 
like heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.
Why is cardiovascular screening important?
Lifestyle factors such as 
smoking, lack of exercise, 
and poor nutrition are the 
root causes of cardiovascular 
disease and lead to early 
tissue damage. Obesity, 
hypertension, and diabetes 
are just high-risk conditions 
that might emerge.
Those at risk for future heart 
disease, stroke, and other 
serious organ problems can 
be identified by screening. 
Also, it identifies those who 
have risk factors for 
cardiovascular disease that 
are reversible and can be 
changed to lower their risk.
Categories of Examinations
In the context of adult preventive care, regular cardiac screenings are crucial.
Your doctor will probably recommend that you begin attending frequent screenings 
sometime after age 20 and possibly sooner.
Further testing may be recommended if your screening findings indicate you have heart 
disease or are at high risk for developing heart disease.
The best time to start testing and how often you should test depends on your family history.
Regular health examinations
The following heart health checks are recommended by doctors regardless of a patient's 
family history of cardiovascular disease:-
• Most people should begin getting their blood pressure and cholesterol checked at age 20 
and their blood glucose checked at age 40–45.
• Your doctor may recommend beginning these checks earlier than the recommended age 
range if you have certain risk factors for heart disease or strong family history.
They might also request tests for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). C-reactive 
protein (CRP) is a sign of inflammation or infection and has been linked to an increased risk of 
heart attack, which is measured by this test.
Extracardiac evaluations
If your physician has reason to suspect heart disease, they may order one or more of the 
following diagnostic procedures:- 
Electrocardiography - Sticky, little electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to 
electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment. The electrical activity of your heart is monitored and 
recorded by this device, which then displays this data to you.
Physical exertion for a heart stress test.- You'll have to stick some electrodes to your chest 
and hook up to an ECG machine. Then, a medical practitioner will observe your heart's 
reaction to exercise by having you walk, run, or ride on a treadmill or stationary bike.
Echocardiography.- To diagnose issues with the heart's pumping function and evaluate the 
heart valves, a medical practitioner uses an ultrasound machine to capture moving images of 
the heart. This may be done both before and after you exercise or take specific medications 
to see how your heart reacts to stress.
Analysis of nuclear stress.- In 
this procedure, a small 
amount of radioactive dye is 
put into your bloodstream and 
follows your blood to your 
heart. Medical professionals 
can examine your heart's 
blood flow by taking images of 
it at rest and after physical 
activity.
CT calcium scoring of the 
heart.- Electrodes are placed 
on your chest, and you lie 
beneath a CT scanner to 
capture your heart's electrical 
activity. Medical professionals 
can examine your heart and 
detect plaque in your coronary 
arteries by using CT scans to 
make images of your organ.
Coronary CT angiography (CTA).- Another similar test involves lying on a CT scanner with 
electrodes attached to your chest so a doctor may record your heart's activity and develop 
images of your heart from the CT scan's photos. Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries can 
be better seen after a contrast dye injection into the bloodstream.
Diagnostic coronary angiography performed by catheter. - Catheters are thin tubes placed 
into an artery in the groin or arm and guided to the heart. To determine if coronary arteries 
are obstructed or constricted, contrast dye is administered through the catheter, and X-rays 
of the heart are taken.
If your doctor gives you a diagnosis of heart disease, they may suggest using several different 
treatment approaches.
Dr. Sarita Rao is considered one of the Best Cardiologist in Madhya Pradesh and provides 
Heart Disease treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Indore. If you are looking for 
Best Cardiologist in Indore, then visit Apollo Hospitals now. 
Call us now for appointment +91 9893925000 or visit online at 
https://drsaritaraocardiologist.com/ for more details.
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To More Post: - Lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart disease