Heart Screening (Cardiac Screening) in Singapore By Dr Kua Jieli

Heart screening in Mount Elizabeth involves a combination of non-invasive tests designed to assess your cardiovascular health and detect heart conditions at an early stage, often before symptoms appear. These tests evaluate your heart’s structure, rhythm, and function, providing a comprehensive overview of your heart health at our Mount Elizabeth clinic. Early detection through screening allows for timely medical intervention, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.

Screening Packages in Orchard

Our clinic provides a comprehensive range of health screening packages to ensure that every individual’s needs are met.

	Essential	Comprehensive	Executive	Premium
	$388	$688	$1088	$1888
Pre-screening Clinical Evaluation Clinical consultation with Cardiologist Detailed past medical and family history Physical examination
Anthropometric measurements Body Weight Body Height Body Mass Index (BMI) Blood Pressure
Blood Investigations Kidney Function Test Liver Function Test Diabetes Profile Cholesterol Profile Cardiac Risk Profile
Electrocardiography (ECG) Measures the heart’s electrical activity and detects abnormalities in rate and rhythm
Exercise Treadmill ECG Test (TMX) Evaluates signs of heart disease by measuring the heart’s electrical activity during physical stress
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) Uses ultrasound technology to evaluate the structure and function of the heart, valves, and vessels
Coronary Calcium Score (CAScore) CT Scan to measure how much calcified plaque is in your coronary arteries
CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) CT scan to capture detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries, detecting narrowing or blockages
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Uses a high-resolution ultrasound probe is placed on the neck to capture images of the carotid arteries
Post-screening Clinical Evaluation Clinical consultation with Cardiologist Thorough review of all tests done Cardiac risk stratification for coronary artery disease

Indications for Heart Screening

Heart screening may be recommended by your cardiologist to assess your individual heart health risks and detect potential cardiovascular issues. It is particularly useful for individuals with known risk factors or unexplained symptoms.


Family history of heart disease	If close relatives have experienced heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular conditions, screening can help identify your inherited risk factors.
Presence of cardiovascular risk factors	Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity increase your likelihood of developing heart disease.
Unexplained chest symptoms	If you experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue during daily activities, screening can help determine whether these symptoms are heart-related.
Age-related screening recommendations	Adults over 40, particularly men over 40 and women over 50, benefit from regular heart health assessments as cardiovascular risk naturally increases with age.
Pre-participation sports screening	Athletes and individuals beginning intensive exercise programmes may require heart screening to ensure their cardiovascular system can safely handle increased physical demands.
Occupational health requirements	Certain professions, such as pilots, commercial drivers, or emergency services personnel, may require regular cardiac assessments to ensure fitness for duty.

Benefits of Heart Screening

Heart screening offers several advantages that can significantly impact your long-term health and wellbeing.

Early detection of heart conditions

Identifying cardiovascular problems before symptoms appear allows for prompt treatment and better outcomes. Many heart conditions progress silently, and screening can catch these issues when they’re most manageable.
Personalised risk assessment

The screening results help your cardiologist understand your individual cardiovascular risk profile and develop a tailored prevention strategy. This personalised approach addresses your specific needs and circumstances rather than applying general recommendations.
Guidance for lifestyle modifications

Screening results often reveal areas where lifestyle changes could benefit your heart health, such as dietary adjustments, exercise recommendations, or stress management techniques. Your cardiologist can provide specific guidance based on your individual findings.
Prevention of cardiovascular complications

By identifying and addressing risk factors early, screening can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. This proactive approach often proves more manageable than treating established heart disease.

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Preparing for Heart Screening

Medical history review: Gather information about your family’s cardiovascular history, current medications, and any symptoms you’ve experienced.
Medication considerations: Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your cardiologist.
Fasting requirements: Some blood tests require fasting for 8-12 hours beforehand, typically overnight before morning appointments.
Physical preparation: Avoid vigorous exercise, caffeine, and smoking for several hours before your appointment, as these can affect test results. Light meals are generally acceptable unless fasting is required for blood work.

What to Expect During Heart Screening in Orchard

Initial Consultation

Your cardiologist reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms (if any), and recommends specific investigations based on your health profile.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

A technician applies gel to your chest and uses an ultrasound probe to capture moving images of your heart. This painless test takes about 20-30 minutes.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs to record your heart’s electrical activity. The test is quick and painless, lasting just a few minutes.

CT Coronary Angiogram or Coronary Calcium Score (if indicated)

You may be referred for a CT scan to assess your coronary arteries. These tests require you to lie still for a few minutes while the scan is performed.

Exercise Tests (if applicable)

Depending on your risk profile, a Stress Echocardiogram or Exercise Treadmill ECG may be recommended. These tests monitor your heart during controlled physical activity to assess its function and blood flow.

Ambulatory Monitoring (if needed)

For conditions like suspected high blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms, you may be fitted with a portable Holter Monitor or Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor to wear at home for 24 to 48 hours.

After Care and Recovery

Immediate Care

Post-screening activities: Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after heart screening, as the tests are non-invasive and require no recovery time.

Managing minor effects: Some patients may experience mild skin irritation from electrode adhesive or slight soreness from blood draws. These minor effects typically resolve within a few hours without any special treatment.

Activity guidelines: There are generally no restrictions on driving, work, or daily activities following heart screening. You can return to your normal routine unless your cardiologist provides specific guidance based on your results.

Recovery Timeline

Same-day return to routine: Heart screening procedures allow you to continue with your planned activities for the rest of the day. The non-invasive nature of these tests means no recovery period is typically required.

Follow-up Care

Results consultation: Your cardiologist will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your screening results in detail and answer any questions you may have.

Future screening schedule: Depending on your results and risk factors, your cardiologist will recommend an appropriate schedule for future heart screenings.

Ongoing care coordination: If screening reveals any concerns, your cardiologist will coordinate with other healthcare providers as needed and guide you through any recommended treatments or lifestyle changes.

Potential Risks and Complications

Heart screening procedures are generally very low risk. The most common minor effects include temporary skin irritation from electrode adhesive, slight bruising at blood draw sites, or mild fatigue following exercise stress testing. These effects are typically short-lived and resolve on their own within a day or two.

A consultation with a qualified cardiologist in Singapore ensures that your screening is tailored to your health status, with all recommended tests carefully selected to minimise risks while providing accurate, relevant information about your heart health.

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510

+65‎ 6956‎ 6588

+65 8877 3318

[email protected]

Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed

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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510

[email protected]

+65‎ 6956‎ 6588

+Array

Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the heart screening involve?

A heart screening usually involves a detailed history, physical examination and non-invasive tests to help determine any abnormalities in the heart. These abnormalities may present themselves with no symptoms and may go undetected. Hence, through a heart screening, your cardiologist will help assess your risk of developing future heart conditions as well as recommend intervention methods.

Who should be recommended to go for the screenings?

It is recommended that men, especially those over the age of 40 and women who are approaching their menopause stage, go for a heart screening. Furthermore, if you or your loved ones have one or more cardiovascular risk factors, it is recommended to undergo a heart screening, The risk factors include:

Smoking
Diabetes
Living a sedentary lifestyle
Family history of coronary artery disease
Overweight
High cholesterol or high blood pressure

How often should I go for a screening?

For most people, screening of cardiovascular risk factors should start at age 40 (younger if any risk factors are present) and annually thereafter.

What do I need to prepare for certain heart tests?

Prior to the consultation, it is essential to bring along any previous test reports (if any) and to note down the medications you are taking (if any). Besides your medical history, do wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing as you may be required to change for certain investigative tests. Avoid drinking or consuming any caffeinated products prior to the screening.

Rest assured, your cardiologist will advise you accordingly on how to prepare before the tests.

Will I need to take time off work for heart screening?

Most heart screening appointments can be scheduled to fit around your work commitments, typically taking 1-2 hours depending on which tests are included. You can usually return to work immediately afterwards, as there’s no recovery time needed for these non-invasive procedures.

How long would the heart screening take?

The duration of the screening depends on the screening package chosen. Some tests such as electrocardiogram, only require 1 to 2 minutes to complete, while other tests may take longer.

Will all the screenings be done on the same day?

Certain tests require specific preparation and may required to be carried out on separate days. However, some tests can be done on the same day. Rest assured, your cardiologist will advise you accordingly to obtain the most accurate result.

What happens if I can’t complete the exercise stress test?

If you’re unable to complete an exercise stress test due to physical limitations or symptoms, your cardiologist may recommend alternative forms of stress testing or focus on other screening methods. There are several ways to assess heart function, and your screening can be tailored to your capabilities.

When will the results of the screening be out?

The release of the heart screening results varies based on the type of tests done. Rest assured, our team at Carrington Cardiology will contact you and arrange a follow-up appointment. During this appointment, your cardiologist will review and discuss the results as well as the appropriate treatment or intervention plan if required.

Can I drive myself home after the screening?

Yes, you can drive yourself to and from your heart screening appointment unless you’ve had sedation for a particular procedure, which is uncommon for standard screening tests. The tests don’t affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

How accurate are heart screening results?

Heart screening tests are generally reliable when performed by qualified professionals, though no medical test is 100% accurate. Your cardiologist will interpret results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination to provide the most accurate assessment possible.