How to check for heart health?
Heart health is best assessed through a combination of clinical consultation, examination, lifestyle review, and appropriate investigations. Dr Webb and her team will assess heart health by reviewing individual risk factors, symptoms, and family history, alongside tests such as blood pressure measurement, blood tests, and ECGs. Where appropriate, further investigations may be recommended to provide a clear and personalised assessment.
What is a healthy at rest heart rate?
A healthy resting heart rate for most adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Some individuals, particularly those who are physically active, may have a lower resting heart rate, which can be entirely normal. Dr Webb and her team can advise whether a resting heart rate is appropriate, particularly if there are symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue.
What is an average pulse?
An average pulse in adults usually falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Who should consider heart screening and why?
Dr Webb recommends heart screening for individuals who wish to better understand their heart health or reduce future risk of heart disease, including adults aged 40 and over, those with a family history of heart disease, people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, smokers or former smokers, and anyone experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, or palpitations. Heart screening helps identify early signs of heart disease, often before symptoms develop.
What is heart screening?
Heart screening is a structured assessment designed to evaluate cardiovascular health and identify risk factors or early heart disease.
When is a heart screening test performed?
Heart screening may be performed when risk factors are present, when symptoms occur, or as part of a proactive approach to keep people healthy in individuals without symptoms.
How to prepare for a heart screening test
Patients may be advised to avoid heavy meals before certain tests, wear comfortable clothing, and bring a list of current medications.
What to expect when getting a heart screen testing
Heart screening with Dr Webb and her team at Ashtead Hospital is carried out in a professional and supportive environment. Tests are performed by experienced clinical teams, with results reviewed and interpreted by Dr Webb.
What to expect after a heart health screening test
Following screening, Dr Webb discusses the results in detail, providing reassurance where findings are normal and personalised advice or further recommendations where required.
What are the benefits of heart tests?
Heart tests play an important role in assessing heart health and identifying potential problems early. When guided and interpreted by a consultant cardiologist, they can provide clarity, reassurance, and support long-term prevention.
The benefits of heart tests include:
-
Early detection of heart disease, often before symptoms develop
-
Reassurance when results are normal
-
Identification and treatment of risk factors, such as high blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms
-
Personalised guidance, based on an individual’s results, symptoms, and medical history
-
Support for prevention, helping reduce the risk of future heart problems
What are the risks of heart tests?
Most routine heart tests are safe, well tolerated, and carry minimal risk. The type and level of risk depend on the specific test being performed.
How can you improve your heart health?
Improving heart health may involve healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and avoiding smoking. Dr Webb provides personalised guidance following heart screening to help patients make meaningful and sustainable changes.
