The cardiological check-up is a comprehensive assessment to understand your current cardiovascular risk, detect silent problems and define a preventive plan. It is not a one-size-fits-all package: it is tailored to your age, history, symptoms and health goals. If you are looking to confirm this for your case, schedule a Clinical cardiology consultation.
What is it and what is it for?
A well-done check-up combines targeted medical history, physical examination, objective measurements (blood pressure, heart rate, BMI), laboratory tests and selected cardiological studies. Its objective is to estimate risk, detect damage early (arterial, myocardial or electrical), and propose interventions (lifestyle and/or treatment) based on AHA/ACC/ESC guidelines.
If you want the service-oriented version, see the details at Cardiac check-up.
To whom is it recommended?
- Persons ≥40 years old without previous cardiac diagnosis but with one or more risk factors (hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, early menopause, family history).
- Under 40 with symptoms (atypical chest pain, palpitations, disproportionate dyspnea, syncope) or with multiple risk factors.
- Those who plan to resuming or starting moderate-vigorous exercise or physically demanding jobs.
- Patients with systemic diseases (autoimmune, oncologic, renal) that increase cardiovascular risk.
- Before surgical procedures: the preoperative assessment may require check-up components depending on the type of surgery and your profile.
What does it include (selection according to profile)?
Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)
It is used to detect arrhythmias, conduction disorders, signs of ischemia or hypertrophy. It is a basic, fast and non-invasive test. Learn more in Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Stress test
Useful for stratify risk, evaluate functional capacity and look for inducible ischemia in selected patients. It also helps to prescribe exercise safely and securely. For more information, please contact us: Stress test.
Transthoracic echocardiography
Evaluates heart size and function, valves and pulmonary pressure. Indicated if there are murmurs, symptoms, history or abnormal findings in other tests. Detail of the study: Transthoracic echocardiography.
24 h MAP (ambulatory blood pressure)
It allows to confirm hypertension, assess nighttime patterns and adjust treatment with real data. It is especially useful when the figures in consultation do not match those at home. Learn more about it here: 24 h MAP (ambulatory blood pressure).
Other common components
- Laboratory: lipid profile (with non-HDL/apoB when applicable), glucose/HbA1c, renal function, TSH and inflammation markers if required.
- Measurements and lifestyles: BMI, abdominal circumference, tobacco/alcohol consumption, sleep pattern, stress and physical activity.
- Calculated risk: use of validated calculators to estimate 10-year and lifetime risk, adapted to the clinical context.
How often to repeat it?
- Low risk: each 2-3 years, provided that no symptoms appear.
- Intermediate risk: annual or according to goals (lipids, pressure, weight).
- High risk or with established disease: according to medical indications and control goals; some components are reviewed each year 3-6 months.
How to prepare yourself?
- It carries list of medications and dosages (including supplements).
- Go with comfortable clothing and footwear if you could perform a stress test.
- Depending on the requested studies, the following may be requested fasting (lipids, glucose) and avoid caffeine/tobacco 12-24 h before.
- If you monitor your blood pressure at home, bring last week's record.
What happens next?
You will receive a integrated report with targets (LDL, blood pressure, glucose/weight), recommendations of physical activity y cardioprotective nutrition, and, if required, treatment settings or referral to programs such as cardiac rehabilitation. The goal is a plan practical and sustainable that reduces your actual risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need all the tests?
No. They are indicated according to your medical history and risk. We avoid unnecessary studies.
Is exercise safe?
Yes, when it is prescribed y progressive; the stress test helps to adjust intensities and detect limits.
If I feel good, is it worth the check-up?
Yes: many conditions at the beginning are asymptomatic. A preventive approach allows early intervention.
References
Arnett, D. K., Blumenthal, R. S., Albert, M. A., et al. (2019). 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 74(10), e177-e232. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.03.010
Visseren, F. L. J., Mach, F., Smulders, Y. M., et al. (2021). 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice. European Heart Journal, 42(34), 3227-3337. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358719
Gulati, M., Levy, P. D., Mukherjee, D., et al. (2021). 2021 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation, 144(22), e368-e454. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001029
Grundy, S. M., Stone, N. J., Bailey, A. L., et al. (2019). 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. Circulation, 139(25), e1082-e1143. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625
Whelton, P. K., Carey, R. M., Aronow, W. S., et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Hypertension, 71(6), e13-e115. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065
Piepoli, M. F., Hoes, A. W., Agewall, S., et al. (2016). 2016 European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice. European Heart Journal, 37(29), 2315-2381. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/37/29/2315/1748952
Pelliccia, A., Sharma, S., Gati, S., et al. (2021). ESC Guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. European Heart Journal, 42(1), 17-96. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/1/17/5901317
