How Often Should Heart Patients Be Checked? Expert Answers

Times Now Digital spoke with Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, to understand how frequently do heart patients need to get themselves checked.
Heart checkup

How Often Should Heart Patients Be Checked? Expert Answers (Image: Canva)

Heart problems are the most common cause of death. As a society we have take control and prevent the heart disease epidemic in our country. Lifestyle modifications are the core of prevention of heart disease. However, regular heart check-ups are advised for people more than 40-45 years to manage cardiovascular health to avoid further complications.
Times Now Digital spoke with Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, to understand how frequently do heart patients need to get themselves checked.
He explains how timely cardiac screening will help one to understand his/her heart health and make informed decisions that will save one’s heart and improve the quality of life.
According to a 2023 report by the American College of Cardiology, cardiovascular diseases account for approximately 30% of deaths in India, with ischemic heart disease as the primary cause. The report further said that high rates of diabetes and hypertension, compounded by urban lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, stress, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, pollution, lack of exercise contribute to this concerning trend.
India is home to millions of patients who are suffering from heart-related problems such as heart attacks, and heart failure. The frequency of these check-ups and the type of tests will be based on the heart condition he/she is detected with along with overall health taking into consideration the risk factors. Here, the expert-recommended tests that are important and how often they should be done can empower patients to take control of their heart health
Do these tests without neglecting the heart health
  • Blood pressure monitoring: Monitoring blood pressure 2-3 times a week is recommended for cardiac patients.
  • Lipid profile (cholesterol test): High cholesterol and triglycerides can cause heart problems. Hence, heart patients should do tests every 6 months, or more frequently if levels are abnormal.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Do it every six months as suggested by the doctor to know the status of the heart health.
  • Stress test: This test should be done on a yearly basis to get an overview of heart health.
  • Check the blood sugar levels every 6 months. Remember, high diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease and mortality linked to it.
Regular monitoring will not only help cardiac patients manage existing conditions but also prevent any complications that could arise after battling the heart condition. Staying proactive can make a meaningful difference in enhancing one’s entire well-being. Stay extremely vigilant when it comes to your heart even after undergoing surgery or while taking treatment. Timely testing and diagnosis are key for the prompt management of heart conditions and saving lives.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
Akanksha Arora author

Senior Copy Editor at Times Network, Akanksha covers Lifestyle, Culture and everything that falls under its big umbrella. When not writing, Akanksha i...View More

End of Article
  翻译: