Cardiology check-up: why it is important even if you have no symptoms
Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of illness and death in our country. In most cases, they do not appear suddenly, but are the result of a process that can develop over time, often without causing any symptoms in the early stages. For this reason, undergoing cardiological check-ups, when recommended by a doctor, can help to identify any abnormalities at an early stage and to determine one’s cardiovascular risk profile.
But what exactly is a cardiological check-up? When might it be recommended, and what information can it provide? We put these questions to Dr Marianna Volpe, a cardiologist and head of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, part of the San Donato Group.
Cardiological check-up: a personalised assessment
A cardiological check-up is not simply a series of tests. It is a clinical process that begins with a specialist consultation and is tailored to the patient’s characteristics, medical history and any symptoms they may have.
The consultation is the central part of the check-up, as it allows information to be gathered on medical history, lifestyle habits and factors that may influence cardiovascular health. Only after this initial assessment is it possible to identify the most appropriate tests.
“Two people of the same age may have very different cardiovascular risks. This is why the check-up cannot be standardised: the aim is to understand the individual patient’s risk profile and select the tests that are genuinely useful, avoiding both unnecessary tests and the risk of overlooking conditions that warrant further investigation”, explains Dr Volpe.
When might it be recommended?
The need for a cardiological check-up varies from person to person and must be assessed in consultation with your doctor.
A check-up may be recommended in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking, but also in cases of a family history of heart disease, the onset of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations, or before taking up intense physical activity.
Age, the presence of other medical conditions or specific clinical circumstances may also lead the doctor to recommend regular check-ups, with a frequency determined according to the individual patient’s needs.
Which tests might form part of a check-up?
Each test addresses a specific clinical question and helps to complete the assessment of cardiovascular health.
The electrocardiogram analyses the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity, whilst the echocardiogram examines the structure of the heart muscle, valve function and the heart’s ability to contract.
Where necessary, the cardiologist may also recommend a stress test, which is useful for observing the heart’s response to physical activity, blood chemistry tests or cardiovascular imaging studies, such as a CT scan to assess the calcium score – a test that quantifies the presence of calcifications in the coronary arteries and provides additional information for estimating cardiovascular risk. The choice of tests always depends on the clinical presentation and does not follow a pre-established protocol.
The value of a check-up goes beyond individual tests
The tests provide different types of information that only become meaningful when interpreted as a whole.
“It is precisely the integration of the results with the patient’s medical history, symptoms and any risk factors that enables the cardiologist to assess cardiovascular risk and to decide whether further checks or diagnostic investigations are necessary”, emphasises Dr Volpe.
Where necessary, the check-up also helps identify areas requiring intervention, such as controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, or adopting lifestyles that promote cardiovascular health.
A journey that continues over time
Cardiovascular prevention does not end with a single consultation or a few tests, but is a journey that can continue over time through scheduled check-ups and the monitoring of key risk factors, in accordance with the doctor’s advice.
“The best time to look after your heart health is when you’re feeling well. A check-up shouldn’t cause alarm, but should offer the opportunity to better understand your cardiovascular risk and, where necessary, take prompt action,” concludes Dr Volpe.
Looking after your heart means relying on a personalised specialist assessment and following a prevention programme tailored to your individual characteristics and health needs.
