Testing, Testing

You need to get a yearly cardiac check-up after the age of 35. Many cardiologists such as Dr. Sawhney advocate starting as early as the age of 20, with check-ups every 2-5 years.

Make sure your reports are seen by a cardiologist and not just your family GP.

If you suspect you may be at high risk, talk to your doctor about the more advanced tests now available.

Also discuss any concerns about whether a particular test is enough or even apt for you as a woman.

Dr. Sawhney recommends these tests.

• While men just get an ECG while on the treadmill, your doctor must check how long you can continue on it and how long your heart rate takes to return to normal after you step off!

In cholesterol tests, its not so much total cholesterol, HDL (high density lipids, or good cholesterol) and LDL (low density lipids or bad cholesterol) you need to look out for. It is the size of the LDL particles and the triglyceride levels. Smaller LDL particles are the ones that can float around, then burst and cause a clot clogging up a blood vessel.

Also look for three other blood tests. Discuss these with your doctor if you have a high-risk profile. Can you get a test for lipoprotein (a)? If early heart disease runs in the family, a high lp(a) level can warn you of trouble round the bend. Another blood test is for CRP, or C-reactive protein. The third factor is homocysteine.

The multi-slice CT angiogram is one of the best tests because it is a non-invasive technique that actually scans the heart and coronary vessels as a 32-slide series. These tests are not yet widely available in India, but they are available at a few metros in specialist cardiac centres. So if you are in a high-risk group, the extra expense may be worth the life-saving insight, do discuss if it is an option with your doctor.