Heart Screening and Keyhole Heart Surgery
At The Keyhole Heart Clinic, we’re passionate about helping you maintain a healthy heart.
We understand that navigating the world of cardiovascular health can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to shed light on a crucial aspect of preventative care: heart screening.
So, what exactly is heart screening?
Think of heart screening as a comprehensive health check for your cardiovascular system. It involves a series of tests and assessments designed to identify potential risk factors and early signs of heart disease before symptoms appear. Early detection is key, as it allows for timely intervention and treatment, significantly improving outcomes.
Why is heart screening important?
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Many heart conditions develop silently, often without noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms manifest, the disease may have progressed significantly. Heart screening helps to:
- Identify hidden risks: Discover factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and early signs of plaque buildup in your arteries.
- Assess your risk: Determine your overall risk of developing heart disease based on your medical history, lifestyle, and test results.
- Enable early intervention: Allow for prompt treatment and lifestyle changes to prevent or slow the progression of heart disease.
- Provide peace of mind: Offer reassurance and empower you to take control of your heart health.
What does a typical heart screening involve?
The specific tests included in a heart screening can vary depending on your age, risk factors, and medical history. However, some common components include:
- Blood pressure measurement: A simple and essential test to assess the force of blood against your artery walls.
- Cholesterol panel: A blood test to measure levels of total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Lipoprotein(a) seems to be a very specific marker of elevated cardiovascular risk.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A test that records the electrical activity of your heart to detect abnormalities of your heart rhythm or disturbances in blood supply to your heart muscle.
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of your heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function of the heart muscle and heart valves.
- Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score: A CT scan that measures the amount of calcium buildup in your coronary arteries, a strong indicator of coronary disease.
- Stress test: Evaluates how your heart responds to physical exertion, revealing potential blockages in the coronary arteries.
- CT coronary angiogram: A specialised CT scan which looks at the inside of the heart arteries to look for narrowed areas which may be in need of treatment.
- Invasive coronary angiogram: A specialised test performed as a day case to examine heart artery narrowings in great detail in patients with symptoms of coronary disease such as chest pain.
- Cardiac MRI scan: A special scan that can look for lack of blood supply in the heart and its effect on muscle cell oxygen delivery/consumption. It is also useful in patients with abnormalities of heart muscle function like cardiomyopathy or fibrosis.
- Medical history and physical examination: Your doctor will discuss your health history, lifestyle habits, and conduct a physical examination.
Who should consider heart screening?
While everyone can benefit from heart screening, it’s particularly important for individuals with:
- A family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- A history of smoking
- Obesity
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Older adults.
Keyhole heart surgery and your heart’s health.
The Keyhole Heart Clinic specialises in minimally invasive keyhole heart surgery. This advanced technique offers numerous benefits, including smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times. While heart screening helps identify potential issues, if surgery is required, our clinic is ready to provide the best care possible.
Taking the next step.
If you’re concerned about your heart health or want to learn more about heart screening, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions and guide you on your journey to a healthier heart.
The Keyhole Heart Clinic – Your Heart Health is Our Priority.
We hope this blog post has provided you with valuable insights into heart screening. Remember, proactive care is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Schedule your screening today and take control of your cardiovascular well-being.
