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What is cardiac screening?

Cardiac screening is a highly recommended preventive and diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of your heart and its blood vessels. In Singapore, cardiac-related diseases are the second leading cause of death, with an average of 23 people dying from cardiac diseases daily. The four most common cardiac diseases in Singapore are:

  • Ischemic Heart Diseases.
  • Cerebrovascular Disease (stroke).
  • Hypertensive Diseases.
  • Atherosclerosis.

As such, cardiac screening is crucial as it aids in early detection, which will enable doctors to begin treatment.

cardiac screening Singapore.
A cardiac screening helps doctors to have a better understanding of your current heart health.

Why is it important to undergo a cardiac screening?

  • Cardiac screening offers an array of benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Preventing life-threatening cardiac episodes.
  • Allowing for early detection, and prompt treatment.
  • Assessing risk factors, and enabling changes, and interventions.
  • Functioning as risk management.
  • Identifying symptoms of heart conditions.
  • Providing a sense of assurance, and security regarding your heart health.
ECG Singapore.
An electrocardiography (ECG) is essential for measuring, and monitoring your resting heart rate.

Who is encouraged to undergo a cardiac screening in Singapore?

A cardiac screening is recommended for individuals who exhibit the following risk factors:

  • Age: you are encouraged to undergo a routine cardiac screening if you are aged 40 years old and older.
  • Gender: men are more susceptible to cardiac diseases compared to women.
  • Family history: if you have a family history of cardiac-related diseases and conditions, then you have a higher risk of developing them.
  • Health conditions: if you have high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or are diagnosed with diabetes or obesity, then you are more likely to develop cardiac diseases in your lifetime.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: if you lead a sedentary lifestyle with little to no physical activity, then you have a higher risk of developing cardiac diseases.
  • Tobacco use: smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiac diseases compared to non-smokers.

Cardiac Screening Procedures

Blood Pressure (BP) MonitoringCT Angiogram

During a cardiac screen, it is imperative to monitor the BP as it is an indication, and a pivotal step in managing certain conditions, such as hypertension.
A CT angiogram is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan to visualise the blood vessels, and detect blockages, or abnormalities in the arteries.
Echocardiogram (ECHO)Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECHO is a procedure that provides images, and data on the heart structure, and function. The procedure is often used to assess the heart valves, and chambers.
An ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is often used to detect several heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, or ischaemia.
Treadmill Exercise Test (TMX)2D Echocardiography (2DE)

A TMX is a type of stress test that monitors the heart’s activity during physical exertion. This helps doctors identify potential coronary artery diseases, or other heart-related issues.
A 2DE is a type of echocardiogram that provides doctors with two-dimensional images of the heart, which facilitates them in assessing the heart’s functions and structure, and detecting any abnormalities.

Laboratory Investigation 

Cardiac Risk ProfileHomocysteineApo A1Apo BApo A1/B ratiohsCRP test
Diabetic ProfileHbA1cFasting blood glucose
Lipids ProfileTotal CholesterolLDLHDLTGCholesterol/HDL ratiohsCRP

How do I prepare for a cardiac screening in Singapore?

To ensure an accurate result during your cardiac screening, our doctors at Ardennes Health Clinic, often encourage our patients to adhere to the following preparation tips:

  • Avoid Caffeine: skip caffeine intake to prevent it from affecting your heart rate.
  • Fasting: refrain from eating or drinking for 8-12 hours prior to the screening.
  • Halting certain medications: our doctor may advice you to pause consuming certain medications that may influence your results.
  • Dress appropriately: as you will be required to undergo several tests, including a treadmill stress test, it is advisable to put on comfortable, and hassle-free clothing to ensure a smooth screening session.

Depending on the tests involved, our staff will provide you with a list of preparations prior to your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

A cardiac screening is a specific and focused screening to assess your heart health, which includes tests such as ECGs, echocardiography and stress tests. Meanwhile, a generic health screening covers a broader range of health assessments.

This is best discussed with our doctors as it depends heavily on individual risk factors, results, and family history.

Cardiac screenings are generally safe. A CT angiogram entails a slight exposure to low-dose radiation, as with any other CT scan. Additionally, a contrast will be injected, and as such, if you are allergic to dye contrast, do inform our doctors.

At Ardennes Health Clinic, our cardiac screening starts from $199.