Heart Health Check-Up: Prevention is Better than Cure

The heart is the most vital organ in the body, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body 24 hours a day. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Thailand and worldwide. Regular heart check-ups are essential for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases before they become life-threatening.

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Benefits of a Heart Check-Up

1. Early Detection of Diseases
   Many heart conditions show no symptoms in their early stages. Regular check-ups help detect abnormalities before they become severe.
2. Risk Assessment
   Doctors can assess your risk of developing heart disease and provide preventive guidance.
3. Treatment Planning
   If abnormalities are found, early treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
4. Monitoring Progress
   For patients undergoing treatment, regular check-ups help monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Chest pain, tightness, or pressure, especially during physical activity or stress
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
• Unusual fatigue, even with light activity
• Pain radiating from the chest to the arms, neck, or jaw
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting without a clear cause
• Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen, particularly in the evening or after prolonged standing
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat or palpitations

High-Risk Groups That Should Undergo Regular Heart Check-Ups

• Individuals aged 40 and above
• Those with a family history of heart disease
• Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Smokers or regular alcohol consumers
• Individuals who are overweight or obese
• People with sedentary lifestyles or high stress levels

Heart Health Screening Methods and Tools

1. Basic Examination

Medical history review and physical examination: Doctors will ask about symptoms, personal and family medical history, and perform a general check-up, including listening to the heart and lungs, measuring blood pressure, and checking vital signs.

2. Blood Tests

• Lipid Profile – To check cholesterol levels (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
• Blood Sugar – To detect diabetes
• Cardiac Enzymes – To identify heart muscle damage
• HS-CRP – To detect inflammation that may affect the heart

3. Diagnostic Tools

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – A basic test that records the heart’s electrical activity, useful for detecting arrhythmias, ischemia, and structural heart issues
• Echocardiogram – Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, assess heart muscle function, valves, and blood flow
• Exercise Stress Test – Records ECG while walking or running on a treadmill to evaluate how the heart responds to physical exertion, useful in detecting coronary artery disease

How to Prepare for a Heart Check-Up

• Fast for 10–12 hours before a blood test (for lipid profile)
• Avoid coffee and smoking for 2–3 hours before an ECG
• Inform the doctor about any medications being taken
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for examination

After the Check-Up

• Follow up with your doctor for results and further recommendations
• Make necessary lifestyle changes if risk factors are identified

Daily Heart Health Tips

• Exercise regularly: Activities like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling
• Eat a heart-friendly diet: Low in saturated fat, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains; reduce salt, sugar, and processed foods
• Manage stress: Practice mindfulness, ensure adequate rest, and engage in relaxing activities
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease; quitting greatly reduces your risk
• Get adequate sleep: 7–8 hours of sleep per night is crucial; sleep deprivation may increase cardiovascular risk

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