Cardiology

Your heart works hard every day, and keeping it healthy is essential. But how do you know when it's time to see a cardiologist — a heart specialist? Here are some signs that you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

If you experience pressure, tightness, or pain in your chest — especially during physical activity — it could be a sign of heart disease. Seek medical attention immediately if the pain is severe or lasts more than a few minutes.

2. Shortness of Breath

Feeling winded easily, even without exertion, or struggling to catch your breath could indicate heart problems, such as heart failure or blocked arteries.

3. High Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. If your blood pressure is consistently high, a cardiologist can help manage it.

4. Heart Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat

If your heart races, skips beats, or feels like it’s fluttering, it could be a sign of an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) that needs medical evaluation.

5. Family History of Heart Disease

If close family members have had heart disease, high cholesterol, or heart attacks, you may be at higher risk. A cardiologist can assess your heart health and recommend preventive measures.

6. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Swelling in your lower extremities could indicate heart failure, as the heart may not be pumping blood effectively, causing fluid buildup.

7. You Have Diabetes

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease. If you have diabetes, regular heart check-ups can help prevent complications.

8. You’re a Smoker or Have a Sedentary Lifestyle

Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can damage your heart over time. If you have these risk factors, a cardiologist can help you make heart-healthy changes.

9. You’ve Had a Stroke or Heart Attack

If you’ve previously experienced a stroke, heart attack, or other heart-related issue, ongoing care from a cardiologist is essential to prevent future problems.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or risk factors, don’t wait. Early detection and treatment can make a huge difference in preventing serious heart conditions.

Regular heart check-ups are essential, even if you feel healthy. Based on the latest guidelines from the Screen for Life programme in Singapore:

• Adults aged 40 and above should have regular heart health screenings, including blood pressure checks every two years and cholesterol tests every three years.
• If you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, more frequent check-ups may be recommended.
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of heart disease
  • Smoking or a sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • History of stroke or heart attack
• Younger adults aged 18 to 39 with risk factors should also monitor their heart health and consult a doctor if they experience symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or palpitations.

Remember, early detection through regular screenings can help prevent complications and support better long-term heart health.

A typical screening may involve:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Cholesterol & blood sugar test
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to check heart rhythm
• Echocardiogram for heart structure and function assessment (if needed)
• Stress test to evaluate heart performance under exertion (for those at risk)

Even if you feel fine, regular heart screenings can prevent silent heart conditions from progressing. If you have risk factors, don’t wait — early detection can save lives.