Cardiac Health Screening: How Often Should You Get Your Heart Checked?
Heart disease does not always come with a warning. Many people in Rajkot and across Gujarat feel perfectly fine — and yet have underlying heart risk factors they are unaware of. That is exactly why regular cardiac health screening matters.
Dr. Nikhila Pachani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Backbone Medicity Hospital, Rajkot, recently shared a clear and practical guide on cardiac screening — who should get it, what it covers, and how often it should be done.
Who Should Get Screened?
Dr. Pachani recommends that everyone above the age of 25 should undergo a cardiac health screening. You do not need to have symptoms to get checked. Prevention is always better than dealing with a problem after it has developed.
How Often Should You Go?
The frequency of your screening depends on your personal risk profile:
- No risk factors — once every 3 years
- With risk factors — once every 1 year
Risk factors for heart disease include conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, a family history of heart disease, and smoking.
What Does the Screening Include?
A complete cardiac health screening covers:
- Medical history — understanding your lifestyle, family background, and any existing health conditions
- Risk factor assessment — identifying factors that could increase your chances of a heart problem
- Investigations — relevant blood tests and other checks
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) — a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart
- ECHO (Echocardiogram) — an ultrasound of the heart that gives a clear picture of its structure and function
- TMT (Treadmill Test / Stress Test) — checks how your heart performs under physical exertion
Together, these tests give your cardiologist a full picture of your heart health and help catch any concerns early — when they are far easier to manage.
Why Early Screening Makes a Difference
Catching a risk factor early — whether it is a mildly irregular heartbeat, early signs of thickening in the heart wall, or a borderline stress test — gives you and your doctor time to act. Lifestyle changes, medication, or closer monitoring can all make a real difference when started early.
If you are 25 or older, do not wait for symptoms to push you towards a check-up. A simple, routine screening could give you — and your family — much-needed peace of mind.
Speak to a qualified cardiologist to understand which screening tests are right for you, and book a consultation at the earliest convenience.