2022 is a big year for football fans all over the world. The first day of the FIFA World Cup is set on November 20th. You may be wondering what the relation of that statement is to heart screenings (https://cadenceheart.sg/heart-screening-package/) —hear us out.
Every four years the world‘s attention is focused on the different national football teams vying to become champions in the football realm. Each team is represented by professional football players who train hard day in and day out. These football players look physically healthy, judging by their ability to run to and fro the wide stretch of field for 90 minutes and endure physical contact. But did you know that one Danish footballer suddenly collapsed during a match and almost died due to cardiac arrest? Christian Eriksen, who was 29 at the time of the incident, was in top shape for his team’s match against Finland for the UEFA European Football Championship until his heart suddenly stopped pumping blood on June 12, 2021.
Being healthy does not exempt anyone from experiencing heart attack. It can happen any time, whether your body is at rest or doing physical activities, such as exercise. Hence, it is important that to get the heart checked to avoid to be sure that it is really healthy.
When should you get your heart screened?
The American Heart Association recommends basic health-heart screening tests to start at the age of 20. In Singapore, a more thorough examination of the heart’s health is recommended to begin at the age of 40, whether there are symptoms present or none at all. How often a person should go for follow-up tests after that will depend on the doctor’s initial findings and recommendation.
During a heart check up, your doctor will check for symptoms of heart disease. You will also be screened for signs that can place you at risk of developing certain heart conditions. You can expect your doctor to ask you about the following:
- Family’s medical history
- Personal medical history
- Physical activities or exercise
- Regular diet
- Other habits that may affect your health, such as alcohol intake or use of tobacco
- Sudden changes in your health
Your weight and body mass index (BMI) will also be assessed, as well as your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The health screenings that are recommended to be done regularly are shown in the table below:
| Type of Test | Recurrence | Recommended age to
get the test |
| Blood cholesterol tests | Once every four to six years at the very least | Starting the age of 20 |
| Blood glucose tests | Once every three years at the very least | Starting the age of 40 |
| Blood pressure tests | Once every two years at the very least | Starting the age of 20 |
Those diagnosed with heart conditions or have an increased risk of developing one may start taking tests at an earlier age and the frequency of heart screenings may vary.
Am I at risk of developing a heart condition even though I am physically healthy?
Anyone can develop a heart condition even those who are healthy physically. A heart condition may also be asymptomatic, so it is crucial that one undergoes routine heart checkups to be able to catch possible heart diseases from developing or managing existing conditions from worsening. You may be at risk of developing a heart condition if you exhibit the following:
- You have been diagnosed with a heart condition
- You are overweight or obese
- You smoke tobacco regularly and excessively
- Your family has a history of a disease or condition affecting the heart
- Your blood cholesterol, sugar, and blood pressure are consistently high
Types of heart screenings
Aside from the routine tests that check your weight, BMI, blood pressure, blood cholesterol and sugar levels, your doctor may recommend that you take further tests, especially if they deem that you have a high chance of developing a heart disease. The tests that are typically prescribed by doctors are:
- Cardiac CT scan for calcium scoring
- Coronary catheter angiography
- Coronary CT angiography (CTA)
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiography
- Exercise cardiac stress test
- Nuclear stress test
Cost of heart screenings in Singapore
Often times, your doctor will recommend several heart tests to be taken in one go. Cadence Heart Centre in Singapore offers the following heart screening packages:
- Ace Heart Screening
Suitable for: Any person regardless of age or health condition
Cost: SGD 388
Inclusions:
- Pre-screening clinical evaluation
- Anthropometric measurements
- Blood investigations
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Exercise Treadmill ECG Test (TMX)
- Post-screening Clinical Evaluation
- Deluxe Heart Screening
Suitable for: Athletes, persons with increased risk of developing heart conditions, and NS pre-enlisment
Cost: SGD 638
Inclusions:
- Pre-screening clinical evaluation
- Anthropometric measurements
- Blood investigations
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Exercise Treadmill ECG Test (TMX)
- Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
- Post-screening Clinical Evaluation
- Enhanced Heart Screening
Suitable for: Persons aged 40 and above, people with risks of developing cardiovascular diseases
Cost: SGD 888
Inclusions:
- Pre-screening clinical evaluation
- Anthropometric measurements
- Blood investigations
- Coronary Calcium Score (CAScore)
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Exercise Treadmill ECG Test (TMX)
- Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
- Post-screening Clinical Evaluation
- Cadence Heart Screening
Suitable for: Persons over 50 years old and/or those who have several risks of developing cardiovascular diseases or have a family medical history of heart conditions
Cost: SGD 1588
Inclusions:
- Pre-screening clinical evaluation
- Anthropometric measurements
- Blood investigations
- Coronary Calcium Score (CAScore)
- CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
- Post-screening Clinical Evaluation
Do note that heart screening packages cannot be claimed through insurance or MediSave.
How to keep a healthy heart
Your chances of acquiring a heart condition or disease can be lowered by following a healthy lifestyle. These tips can help you get right on track:
- Eat foods that are filled with vitamins and nutrients, such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables
- Engage in a moderate exercise every week
- Go for regular heart checkups
- Keep a healthy weight
- Manage your consumption of processed foods that are high in sugar, saturated and trans fats to a minimum
If you have been diagnosed with any condition affecting your heart’s health, it is imperative that you follow your doctor’s treatment plan to keep your heart healthy. For more information about the heart and screening packages, contact Cadence Heart Centre in Singapore.
—
Cadence Heart Centre
Mt. Elizabeth Hospital, 3 Mount Elizabeth #14-13
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Mobile: (65) 8318 9884
Phone: (65) 6369 8789