Doctor using an anatomical heart model to explain heart health to a patient
Dr Ang Teck Kee
Cardiologist

MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), MMed (Singapore)

How Can a Heart Clinic Assess Your Risk of Heart Disease Early?

When you are feeling healthy and leading an active lifestyle, it can be easy to assume that your heart is in good condition. Underlying heart issues and cardiovascular risk factors may not seem like immediate concerns, particularly when you have no noticeable symptoms. However, conditions such as high blood pressure and raised cholesterol can develop silently over time, increasing your risk of heart disease without affecting how you feel.

This is why routine health check-ups are an important opportunity to identify potential concerns early, particularly as you grow older or have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.

At a heart clinic in Singapore, a cardiologist can assess your overall cardiovascular risk by reviewing your health background and existing findings. This can help determine whether further cardiac screening or preventive measures are appropriate, allowing potential concerns to be addressed before more serious heart problems develop.

Who Should Consider an Early Heart Disease Risk Assessment?

An early heart disease risk assessment is particularly relevant for people with factors that increase their likelihood of developing cardiovascular problems, even if they have no noticeable symptoms.

You may benefit from a closer evaluation of your heart health if you:

  • Are approaching middle age or older: Cardiovascular risk generally increases with age, making regular assessment increasingly important.
  • Have a family history of premature heart disease: Having a parent or sibling who developed heart disease at a young age can indicate an increased inherited risk.
  • Have high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol: These conditions can gradually affect your blood vessels and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular complications.
  • Have diabetes or chronic kidney disease: Both conditions are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Have abnormal routine health screening results: Findings such as elevated blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol may warrant further evaluation, particularly when several risk factors are present.

A cardiologist can review these factors together to determine your overall cardiovascular risk and whether additional cardiac screening or preventive care would be appropriate.

How Is Heart Disease Risk Assessed?

A heart disease risk assessment begins with identifying factors that increase the likelihood of cardiovascular problems. A cardiologist reviews existing health information and clinical measurements to establish which risks require attention before recommending further investigations.

Age and Family History

The risk of cardiovascular disease generally increases with age as changes in the heart and blood vessels accumulate over time. Age is therefore an important consideration when evaluating your long-term heart health.

A family history of premature heart disease, particularly in a parent or sibling, may indicate an increased inherited risk. A history of unexplained sudden cardiac death in the family can also raise concerns about certain inherited heart conditions that warrant further assessment.

Existing Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular problems, particularly when they have been present for several years or are poorly controlled.

A cardiologist will review your history of conditions such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease, along with any previous heart-related diagnoses or treatments. Understanding how these conditions have progressed helps establish whether additional monitoring or preventive measures are appropriate.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

Blood pressure and cholesterol measurements provide important information about the health of your cardiovascular system. Abnormal results can indicate risks that require attention even when you have no noticeable symptoms.

  • High blood pressure: Persistently elevated readings of high blood pressure indicate hypertension, which can damage blood vessels and increase the workload on the heart.
  • Elevated LDL cholesterol: High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits within artery walls, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease.

Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health

Elevated blood sugar levels and other metabolic abnormalities can also contribute to cardiovascular risk. Blood tests commonly used to assess this include:

  • Fasting blood glucose: Measures blood sugar levels after a period without food and can help identify abnormal glucose regulation.
  • HbA1c: Reflects average blood sugar levels over approximately two to three months and helps identify or monitor prediabetes and diabetes.

By evaluating these findings together, a cardiologist can estimate your likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke and identify areas where preventive care may help reduce your risk.

How Are Further Cardiac Tests Selected?

Following the initial heart disease risk assessment, a cardiologist may recommend additional tests when certain findings require closer investigation. Some tests help clarify future cardiovascular risk, while others examine suspected heart conditions.

Heart Rhythm and Structural Assessment

When the initial findings suggest an abnormal heart rhythm or a possible structural problem, relevant tests include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart's electrical activity and helps investigate suspected rhythm abnormalities, such as an irregular pulse.
  • Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to assess the heart's pumping function and examine its valves. It may be recommended when an unusual heart sound is detected during a physical examination.

Coronary Artery Assessment

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. Further investigations can help clarify cardiovascular risk or examine suspected narrowing of these arteries.

Relevant tests include:

  • Coronary calcium scoring: A CT scan that measures calcified plaque within the coronary arteries to provide additional information about cardiovascular risk.
  • Exercise treadmill testing: Records the heart's electrical response during physical activity. It is generally used when exercise-related symptoms or other clinical findings warrant investigation.
  • CT coronary angiography: Uses contrast-enhanced imaging to examine the coronary arteries for narrowing or blockages when coronary artery disease is suspected.

How Are Cardiac Screening Results Interpreted?

Cardiac screening results are interpreted alongside your medical history, symptoms and overall cardiovascular risk. A cardiologist assesses whether any abnormalities are clinically significant, what they may indicate about your heart health and whether further evaluation is necessary.

For example, a higher coronary calcium score may indicate a greater burden of coronary artery plaque, while an abnormal ECG or echocardiogram may reveal concerns involving heart rhythm or pumping function. Depending on the findings, the cardiologist may recommend additional tests, closer monitoring or preventive treatment to address the identified risks.

How Does Screening Guide Early Preventive Heart Care?

Early heart health screening helps identify cardiovascular risk factors before they lead to more serious complications. By understanding which risks are present and how significant they are, a cardiologist can recommend preventive measures tailored to your health needs and monitor their effectiveness over time.

Managing Cardiovascular Risk Factors Early

When screening identifies elevated blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar levels, early intervention can help reduce the likelihood of future cardiovascular problems.

For patients with high blood pressure, a cardiologist may be able to recommend dietary changes, regular physical activity and medication based on the severity of hypertension and the patient's overall cardiovascular risk.

Similarly, elevated cholesterol levels may warrant dietary adjustments or cholesterol-lowering medication, particularly when other risk factors indicate a greater likelihood of heart disease. Addressing these findings early can help reduce the risk of complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Preventive Care

Regular follow-up allows a cardiologist to evaluate whether preventive measures are effectively controlling the identified risks. Based on these results, the cardiologist can determine whether the current approach remains appropriate or whether adjustments to medication, lifestyle recommendations or monitoring frequency are needed. This helps ensure that preventive care continues to reflect changes in your cardiovascular health.

Doctor reviewing ECG readings on a monitor during a cardiac assessment

Take a Proactive Approach to Your Heart Health With Dr Ang Teck Kee

Understanding your cardiovascular risk can help you make informed decisions about protecting your long-term heart health. If you have risk factors or are starting to experience symptoms, an early assessment can identify areas that need attention and establish whether further cardiac screening, preventive treatment or ongoing monitoring would be beneficial.

At Ace Cardiology Clinic, care is led by Dr Ang Teck Kee, an experienced cardiologist who takes a personalised approach to assessing cardiovascular risk and managing heart health. He evaluates each patient's medical history, existing screening results and individual risk factors to determine whether further cardiac investigations or preventive treatment are appropriate, helping patients make informed decisions about their long-term care.

If you have concerns about your heart health or would like a clearer understanding of your cardiovascular risk, book a consultation with Dr Ang to discuss the next steps for your care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Preventive Heart Health Screening

Can you have heart disease even with normal cholesterol levels?

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Does everyone need the same cardiac screening tests?

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Should I stop taking my regular medication before heart screening?

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Meet Our Doctor

Singapore Cardiologist - Dr Ang Teck Kee

Dr Ang Teck Kee

Cardiologist

M.B.B.S (Singapore), MRCP (UK), M.Med (Singapore)

Dr Ang Teck Kee is a dedicated cardiologist with 20 years of experience in interventional cardiology. He has performed over 3,000 invasive coronary angiographies and percutaneous coronary interventions. Dr Ang takes a patient-centred approach, creating personalised treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs. His commitment extends beyond the clinic, as he actively contributes to medical research, serving as a co-investigator in numerous international and local clinical trials.

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Ace Cardiology Clinic location
Visit Us At

3 Mount Elizabeth, #17-18
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510

Operating Hours
Opening Hours

Mon to Fri: 9:00am–5:00pm
Sat: 9:00am-12:00pm
Sun & PH: Closed

Contact Information
Let’s Talk

Tel: 6235 7536 | 9155 2942
Fax: 6235 7598
info@acecardiologyclinic.com

How Can We Help You Today?

Please note: Our clinic only accepts patients aged 16 and above.

Need help or wish to make an appointment? Call or send a message to our team, or request a callback at your convenience.

Call us at +65 9155 2942. We look forward to hearing from you.