Cardiology Check-Up

Heart health is one of the most important factors directly affecting quality of life. Cardiovascular diseases, which progress silently, can lead to major problems. Therefore, regular assessments of heart health are extremely important. A cardiology check-up is a health screening performed to assess heart health and detect potential diseases in their early stages. With cardiology check-ups supported by modern technologies, you can get detailed information about the general condition of your heart.

What is a Cardiology Check-Up?

A cardiology check-up is a comprehensive health screening performed to protect cardiovascular health, identify risk factors, and enable early diagnosis of diseases. This program helps identify existing heart conditions and predict potential cardiovascular problems.

Cardiology check-ups include non-invasive tests that evaluate heart function, such as electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ECHOCG), and stress tests, as well as various laboratory tests. Additionally, a cardiological examination, along with consideration of the individual's lifestyle, existing medical conditions, and genetic factors, allows for the provision of personalized treatment options.

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Why is a Cardiology Check-Up Important?

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common health problems both worldwide and in Turkey, and are also among the leading causes of death. Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, and strokes, which often progress insidiously without symptoms, can lead to serious and sudden health problems. Therefore, regular assessments of heart health are extremely important, not only for patients but also for those without any symptoms.

High cholesterol, hypertension, genetic predisposition, and diabetes are just some of the many factors that threaten cardiovascular health. Cardiology check-ups allow for the identification of cardiovascular risks and early intervention in individuals who do not have cardiovascular disease or who are in a risk category, before the disease develops.

Cardiology check-ups allow for the identification of cardiovascular risks and early intervention in individuals who do not have cardiovascular disease or who are in a risk category, before the disease develops. Therefore, regular cardiological evaluations are recommended, even in the absence of any symptoms.

How is a Cardiology Check-Up Performed?

A cardiology check-up involves a multi-stage process. This process consists of several basic stages, including a physical examination, imaging tests, laboratory analyses, and a specialist physician's evaluation. The details of these stages are as follows:

Physical Examination

A cardiologist takes a detailed medical history of the patient. Detailed information is gathered about the patient's family history of heart disease, previous illnesses and surgeries, lifestyle, current health complaints, and medications they are currently taking. The patient's pulse and heart rhythm are then assessed, heart sounds are listened to, blood pressure is measured, and respiration is checked.

Cardiologic Imaging Tests

The cardiology check-up process is shaped primarily by the results of imaging tests. In this context, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ECHOCG), and stress tests (treadmill test) are performed. While an ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, an ECHOCG is an ultrasound imaging of the heart. An exercise stress test involves measuring a person's electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure while they exercise on a treadmill. These tests offer a chance for early diagnosis of underlying conditions, even in asymptomatic individuals.

LABORATORY TESTS

The package includes blood tests such as complete blood count, LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, sodium, potassium, AST, and urea. The procedure is completed with a simple blood sample.

Physician Assessment

A cardiology specialist will make an assessment based on all test results and examination findings. Based on the information obtained, risk factors and the individual's current health status are determined, and a treatment plan is developed if deemed necessary.

Which professional groups should get a cardiology check-up?

Cardiology check-ups are optional for all professions, but they are of greater importance for some professional groups. Regular cardiological evaluations are vital, especially for occupational groups working under physically and/or psychologically demanding conditions. In this context, it is recommended that individuals in the following occupational groups undergo cardiology check-ups at regular intervals, even if they do not experience any symptoms.

• Office workers who work under intense stress
• Managers
• Shift workers
• Occupations requiring heavy physical strength, such as construction workers, miners, and factory workers.
• Athletes
• Artists and media workers
• Transportation sector employees

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What are the technological advancements used in cardiology check-ups?

Thanks to the imaging methods used within the cardiology check-up program, assessments are carried out much faster and more reliably. Technological advancements used for this purpose allow for a detailed examination of heart health.

The three main diagnostic methods commonly used in cardiology check-ups are:

Electrocardiography (ECG):

ECG is a non-invasive diagnostic method that measures the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG is recorded by placing electrodes that conduct an electrical current on the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes plot the heart's electrical activity on a graph. ECG is used in many situations such as heart rhythm disorders, palpitations, shortness of breath, and rapid pulse.

Echocardiography (ECHO):

Echocardiography (ECHO) is a diagnostic method that uses ultrasound frequencies to visualize the heart. Images obtained through sound waves allow for detailed examination of heart valves, heart walls, and blood vessels. It is supported by technologies such as color Doppler. The procedure is painless and non-invasive, and takes approximately 30 minutes. Non-radiation echocardiography is also very comfortable for the patient.

Exercise Test (Treadmill Test)

An exercise stress test measures how the heart responds to physical activity. While the patient walks on a treadmill, continuous ECG monitoring and blood pressure measurements are performed. The purpose of the exercise stress test is to measure the response of the heart to physical stress, which does not manifest during rest.

What tests are required for a cardiology check-up?

As part of a cardiology check-up program, blood values such as complete blood count, LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, sodium, potassium, AST, and urea are examined. When blood tests, electrocardiography, and imaging tests are interpreted together, a more comprehensive risk assessment for heart disease can be made. Commonly used laboratory tests include:

Complete Blood Count (Hemogram)

A complete blood count (CBC) test evaluates the cellular components in the blood, such as red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), platelets, monocytes, eosinophils, and hemoglobin. Diseases that can negatively affect heart health, such as anemia (blood deficiency), infection, and inflammation, are detected.

Potassium

Potassium is an electrolyte and is crucial for the transmission of electrical impulses to the heart muscle. Low or high potassium levels can lead to serious arrhythmias.

Sodium

A sodium test measures the sodium level in the blood. High sodium levels are one of the main causes of hypertension. Low sodium levels can be seen in conditions such as heart failure.

Urea (BUN – Blood Urea Nitrogen)

Urea is the waste product resulting from the conversion of dietary protein, and it is particularly important for assessing kidney function. Kidney function can be affected in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart failure, therefore urea levels must be evaluated.

Triglyceride

Triglycerides are a type of fat that provides energy to the body and are directly related to dietary habits. High triglyceride levels pose a risk for cardiovascular disease.

Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is the sum of all types of cholesterol (LDL, HDL, VLDL) in the blood. Total cholesterol is considered normal if it is below 200 mg/dL, borderline if it is between 200-239 mg/dL, and high if it is 240 mg/dL or higher.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

LDL, commonly known as "bad cholesterol," is a lipoprotein. High LDL levels are a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

HDL, commonly known as "good cholesterol," is a lipoprotein that removes excess cholesterol (LDL) from the blood vessels and transports it to the liver.

Fasting Glucose (Blood Sugar)

Fasting glucose levels are very important in determining whether a person is at risk of diabetes. Blood glucose levels are measured after approximately 8-10 hours of fasting. Fasting glucose levels are considered normal if they are between 70-100 mg/dL, and high if they are between 100-125 mg/dL.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

A TSH test measures the levels of TSH, the hormone that regulates the function of the thyroid gland. TSH levels below 0.4 mU/L are considered low, and levels above 3.90 mU/L are considered high. Thyroid dysfunction directly affects heart rhythm, blood pressure, and metabolic rate.

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)

AST is an enzyme found in many organs, primarily the liver and heart. The AST test checks for liver damage.

A cardiology check-up is a holistic assessment process that protects cardiovascular health and provides early diagnosis. Regular cardiological checkups are extremely critical, especially for individuals with risk factors and those in certain occupational groups, in order to prevent potential complications. Don't neglect your heart if you want to live a healthy life.