KLANG: When should you go to have your heart checked?
There is no firm rule, but those aged 40 and above should go for a heart examination if they have never had one before, according to consultant cardiologist Dr Kannan Pasamanickam.
“People who are younger and who have illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure should get their heart checked at an earlier age,’’ said Dr Kannan.
He added that those with a family history of heart disease at a young age must also get their hearts checked at an early age.
“People should first go and see their doctors, who can review their medical history and do a clinical examination as well as a blood test.
“Further investigations like an ECG or a treadmill test can then be organised for those who need this evaluation,’’ said Dr Kannan.
He explained that a decision about whether the person requires a CAC or a CT coronary angiogram would be made based on the findings of these basic tests.
Dr Kannan said patients with risk factors included those with high blood pressure, diabetes, a smoking history, high blood cholesterol and, most importantly, a family history of early heart disease.
Consultant cardiologist Dr Onn Akbar Ali said that while inflammation was a crucial part of the body’s defence mechanism, it can become a problem when it is chronic, prolonged and goes unchecked.
He said heart disease often starts with irritation or injury to the inner lining of a blood vessel, such as tiny scratches caused by high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes or “bad” cholesterol.
“The body tries to heal it with inflammation, but this “repair job” traps fat and builds up plaque.
“Over time, the arteries narrow and harden, and if a plaque bursts, a clot can form, causing blockages, reduced blood flow, and damage to heart muscle. Then, the heart attack comes,’’ said Dr Onn.
