A top Indian doctor said running marathons or on a treadmill is not a sign of fitness, as most heart attacks happen among sportspersons.
According to Dr Devi Shetty, senior Cardiac Surgeon at Narayana Health, physical activity alone does not guarantee immunity from heart issues, highlighting the importance of proactive medical screening and not neglecting any kind of warning signs.
“If we think we can run a marathon, or on a treadmill for an hour, we think we are fit. That is very sad. All you have to do is once a year, get the tests done, then you can jump, be on a treadmill, climb Mount Everest, no problem,” Dr Shetty said in an interview with CNN-IBN.
“Half the patients across the world with advanced coronary disease have no symptoms. It is called silent ischemia, and silent ischemia leads to a silent heart attack,” he added. Dr Shetty has urged regular heart checkups – especially preventive screenings for those over 30 years of age – to enable early detection of heart disease. He recommends that people get checked at least once a year, or every two years if they are under 40.
What are the tests for cardiac health you must undergo?
Studies say cardiovascular diseases are responsible for over 26 per cent of all deaths in India. Even though lifestyle changes like improved diet and regular exercise help prevent heart disease, regular health checkups are extremely important for timely detection and prevention.
A few specific blood tests help identify heart-related conditions before they become severe. These checkups include tests like an ECG and a CT scan that help identify hidden heart problems, even in those who feel healthy.
A few tests you must undergo regularly include:
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
The hs-CRP test is an important blood test for your heart, which measures the level of C-reactive protein in the blood, increasing when there is inflammation. Chronic inflammation is closely linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Even with normal cholesterol levels, elevated hs-CRP levels can indicate an increased risk of heart conditions.
Homocysteine Test
According to doctors, homocysteine – an amino acid involved in your body’s protein production is usually low as it gets metabolised with the help of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid. However, elevated levels harm blood vessel walls and increase the risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. This test is extremely beneficial for those who have a family history of heart disease or those at moderate cardiovascular risk.
Troponin test
The troponin test measures the levels of troponin proteins in the blood. Troponin is released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged, such as during a heart attack. These levels begin to rise three to six hours after a heart attack and remain elevated for up to ten days.
This test is typically ordered if a person exhibits symptoms of a heart attack, like chest pain, shortness of breath, or other related signs. It is a sensitive and specific test, effectively detecting even minor heart muscle damage.