Quick answer. A heart check up in Singapore usually starts with blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight checks, and may add tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, treadmill test or coronary calcium score depending on your risk. A check-up is for people who feel well – if you have chest pain, breathlessness or fainting, do not wait for a screening: call 995.
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In a medical emergency, or for severe or sudden symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or stroke signs, call 995 immediately.
A heart check up in Singapore is a planned set of tests that looks for heart disease and its risk factors before they cause symptoms. High blood pressure and high cholesterol usually cause no symptoms at all, so the only way to know your numbers is to have them checked.
This guide explains what a heart check-up usually includes, who should consider one and how often, how it fits with Singapore’s subsidised Healthier SG Screening, and the warning signs that mean you should see a doctor straight away rather than book a routine screening.
At a glance
| Test | What it checks | When it is usually used |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Whether blood pressure is raised (hypertension) | Basic check for every adult |
| Cholesterol and blood sugar blood tests | Cholesterol levels and signs of diabetes | Basic check, repeated at intervals |
| ECG (electrocardiogram) | The heart's electrical activity and rhythm | Common in heart screening packages |
| Echocardiogram or treadmill (stress) test | Heart structure and pumping, or how the heart copes with exercise | When a doctor wants more detail, or with symptoms or risk factors |
| Coronary calcium score (CT) | Calcium build-up in the heart arteries | Selected adults whose risk is uncertain |
What is a heart check-up?
A heart check-up, also called heart screening or cardiac screening, is a set of tests done when you feel well. Its aim is to find risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, or early signs of heart disease, so they can be treated before they lead to a heart attack or stroke.
It is different from seeing a doctor about symptoms. If you already have symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness, you need a medical assessment rather than a routine screening.
Who should consider a heart check up in Singapore?
You may benefit from a heart check-up if you have one or more risk factors for heart disease:
- Age – the risk rises from about age 45, and after menopause.
- Smoking or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke.
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
- Overweight or obesity, especially extra weight around the waist.
- Family history of early heart attack (a parent, brother or sister affected before age 55 for men or 65 for women).
- Little physical activity, an unhealthy diet or ongoing stress.
People planning to start strenuous exercise, or with a family history of sudden cardiac death, may also want to discuss a heart check with a doctor.
What's included in a heart check-up
Basic checks usually include blood pressure, a blood test for cholesterol and blood sugar, and your weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement.
Heart tests may be added depending on your age, risk factors and any symptoms:
- ECG – a quick, painless recording of the heart’s electrical signals that can show rhythm problems.
- Echocardiogram – an ultrasound scan of the heart’s structure, valves and pumping.
- Treadmill (exercise stress) test – shows how the heart responds to physical activity.
- Coronary calcium score – a CT scan that measures calcium in the heart arteries; see our coronary calcium score guide.
- Holter monitor – a portable ECG worn for a day or more if palpitations need checking.
What is included varies between providers. Private cardiology clinics such as The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre describe the tests in their heart screening and heart check-up, so compare what each package covers and ask whether a doctor reviews the results with you.
How often should you get your heart checked?
Mayo Clinic’s general guidance for adults is:
- Blood pressure – at least once every two years from age 18, and every year from age 40 or if you have risk factors.
- Cholesterol – commonly every 4 to 6 years in adults, more often if your results are not in the desirable range or you have risk factors.
- Blood sugar (diabetes) – from age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors, then every three years.
In Singapore, Healthier SG Screening offers subsidised screening for Singapore Citizens. Which tests you are eligible for depends on your age, sex, existing conditions and when you were last screened. Your doctor may suggest more frequent or additional tests based on your results and family history.
Preparing for a heart check-up and understanding the results
- Ask whether you need to fast before blood tests.
- Bring a list of your medicines and any previous results.
- Note your family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes if a treadmill test is planned.
A good check-up ends with a doctor explaining your results and what to do next. If a risk factor such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol is found, the next steps may include lifestyle changes, medicines and follow-up checks.
When to see a doctor and which specialist
Do not wait for a check-up if you have symptoms. Call 995 straight away for chest pain, pressure or tightness (especially if it spreads to the arm, jaw or back), sudden severe breathlessness, fainting, or cold sweats with nausea or light-headedness. These can be signs of a heart attack.
See a doctor soon for chest discomfort that comes on with exertion, palpitations, breathlessness that is getting worse, or swollen ankles.
A GP can arrange basic screening and refer you if needed. If you have significant risk factors, abnormal results or heart symptoms, a cardiologist can advise on further tests and treatment. Browse cardiologists in Singapore.
Related guides
- Best Cardiology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- cardiology clinics directory