When it comes to keeping your heart health in check, cardiac screening is among the most important tools you should consider. It helps detect any type of heart complication before it becomes serious and allows doctors to treat it.
But you should know how to prepare for different cardiac screenings to get optimal results. Learn how to prepare for heart checkup Singapore and what to expect before, during, and after the screening in this blog post. Let’s get started!
Blood Pressure Screening
In this cardiac screening test, doctors measure the force of blood against the artery walls. It is a non-invasive test, where certain factors can affect your reading. When preparing for this test, you should avoid the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco for at least 30 minutes before your heart checkup Singapore since it can raise blood pressure temporarily.
Moreover, avoid vigorous exercises at least 30 minutes before the test, which also raises your readings. You should wear short-sleeved clothes that allow easy access to your upper arm for accurate cuff placement.
Blood Sugar (Glucose) Screening
In this test, doctors measure blood glucose levels to find whether you have diabetes or prediabetes. Based on the type of test, you may need to fast. Keep a fast for at least 8 hours before the test. Bring a healthy snack to eat after the test to normalize your blood sugar levels.
There is also non-fasting blood sugar test. You don’t need any specific preparation, except to avoid high-sugar foods and drinks on the day of the test.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
In this heart checkup Singapore test, doctors measure the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias, heart enlargement, and other heart conditions. When preparing for this test, you should avoid applying any lotions, oils, or creams to your chest or arms on the day of the test since they interfere with electrode placement.
Wear loose clothes that give easy access to your chest area. You should also remember to remove any jewelry or metal objects that can interfere with the ECG readings.
The Bottom Line
Preparing for a heart checkup Singapore is not difficult, as your doctor will guide you with exact guidelines for the recommended cardiac screening test. But the above-mentioned steps guide you on what to expect before, during, and after a cardiac screening for your heart health in Singapore.