Heart Screening

Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)

During a CCTA, the patient is intravenously injected with an iodine-containing dye to highlight the blood vessels. A CT scan is then taken to produce clear images of the highlighted vessels and identify the presence of any blockages. The entire procedure may take up to an hour to complete but may be longer if beta-blockers have been administered.

Patients are recommended to have a CCTA performed if they have at least two out of three of the following risk factors as they are considered to be in high-risk groups:

1. Family history of coronary artery disease (CAD)

2. Signs and symptoms indicative of CAD

3. Abnormal results from an exercise stress test

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Exercise Stress Test (EST)

Prior to an EST, electrodes that connect to an electrocardiogram machine will be attached to your chest and arms. You will then be asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike at an increasing pace while your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored. The actual test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes on average but may be stopped earlier if you experience any difficulties.

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Echocardiography (resting echo)

An echo, or “resting echo,” typically requires you to lie down on your left side with your left arm out while a transducer is held firmly against your chest. A special gel helps to aim the ultrasound waves to your heart while the transducer records the echoes which are then converted by a computer into moving images. The test takes on average 20 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on how many images need to be produced.

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Stress Echocardiography (stress echo)

A stress echo differs from a resting echo in that instead of lying down, you will need to perform some form of physical activity during the test. Prior to a stress echo, a resting echo will be conducted first, after which you will then be asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while your heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored during the entirety of the procedure. You may also be asked to increase your pace while walking or pedaling, depending on your condition. Most tests should take up to an hour to complete but may be stopped earlier if you experience any difficulties.

Patients are recommended to have a stress echo performed if they have at least two or three of the following risk factors as they are considered to be in high-risk groups:

1. Family history of CAD

2. Diabetes

3. Obesity

4. High cholesterol

5. High blood pressure

6. Are tobacco smokers

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Cardiac CT Calcium Score

Before conducting the CT scan, you will have electrodes attached to your chest that will record your heart activity throughout the procedure. You will then be asked to lie down on a table that moves into a CT scanner, where various images will be taken in coordination with your heartbeat. These images will then be examined to identify the presence of calcified plaque. The scan typically takes about 10 minutes on average.

Patients are recommended to have this scan performed if they have the following risk factors:

1. Family history of CAD

2. Diabetes

3. Obesity

4. High blood lipid

5. High blood pressure

6. Are smokers

7. Are physically inactive

8. Are over 55 years of age

9. In the postmenopausal stage for women

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Preventive Heart and Lipid Checkup

During this checkup, you may be asked to undergo a physical examination, full blood count, kidney and liver function test, lipid and sugar profile, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, or MRI, to name a few. These tests will enable you to obtain an overall image of your heart function. It is highly recommended that you take this checkup annually if you are over 40 years of age.

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Genetic Heart Screening

A genetic heart screening usually involves taking a blood sample or mouth swab which will then be analyzed for the presence of an inherited gene that may potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or other health conditions such as:

o   Coronary artery disease

o   Atrial fibrillation

o   Hypertension

o   Type 2 diabetes

o   Dyslipidemia (lipid imbalance)

Genetic screenings such as these are beneficial as they allow doctors to lay out a healthcare plan that is specially personalized just for you.