Heart Screening (Detailed Screening of Your Heart Health)

· Those interested to go for a detailed heart screening in Goyang, South Korea.
· Those who wish to identify possible coronary artery disease before having signs and symptoms.
· Those who wish to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
· Those who wish to learn how to manage the risk factors for heart disease.
· Those who wish to prevent a more serious heart disease.

Heart screening is a safe and accurate screening tool to identify the causes of heart disease. Blood tests, cardiac ultrasonography and calcium scoring CT can help specialists to detect possible coronary artery disease before you have signs and symptoms.

It is simple and painless, and it can provide you with the preventive measures to manage health behaviors and lifestyle so you can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is recommended to go for heart screening once a year, especially if you are 40 years old and above.

At our affiliated clinic, screening includes in-depth arteriosclerosis test (blood test), cardiac ultrasonography / carotid ultrasonography, calcium scoring CT and other additional examinations.

Other key factors for monitoring cardiovascular health include:
· Blood pressure
· Cholesterol
· Body weight
· Waist circumference
· Blood glucose
· Physical activity
· Lifestyle (e.g whether you are a smoker, diet etc)

Arteriosclerosis Blood Test:
· Blood test to detect your levels of cholesterol and blood sugar. Increased levels may indicate higher risk of arteriosclerosis.
· You would need to fast for 9 to 12 hrs before the test. Drinking water is allowed.

Cardiac ultrasonography:
· Performed to examine the size and shape of the cardiac chambers in systole and diastole, the appearance of heart valves, and the orientation of the great vessels.

Carotid ultrasonography:
· A technique done to evaluate structural details of carotid arteries. It is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging process used to diagnose carotid artery stenosis (CAS) as well as assessing arteriosclerotic plaque morphology and characteristics.

Calcium Scoring CT:
· An examination using the CT scanner to examine the coronary arteries to measure the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, which is an indicator of plaque amount.

<Advantages>
· Painless
· Safe procedures
· Detects coronary artery disease at an early stage
· Allows you to make changes in your diet and lifestyle to prevent heart disease

<Limitations>
· Those with an increased risk of having heart disease should get the screening more often

· Although calcium scoring CT is non-invasive, women should inform the doctor or CT technologist if they are pregnant, or have a possibility of being pregnant to avoid potential risks to the baby.
· Radiation associated with calcium scoring CT may slightly increase your risk of getting cancer, but the benefit of an accurate diagnosis will always outweigh the risks.
· Please discuss your lifestyle such as diet and physical activity with the doctor. It is also highly recommended to disclose family history of any disease, including diabetes or heart attack. This can help to determine your risk factors and may guide you in terms of lifestyle changes of early treatment / prevention strategy.

Q1: Should I fast before going for heart screening?
A1: Yes. Please fast for 9 to 12 hrs to prepare for heart screening, especially for blood tests. But you can drink water during the fasting period.

Q2: How often should I get heart screening?
A2: It is recommended to do it every year especially if you are 40 and above. If you have a family history of heart problems, then you should go for heart screenings even earlier, at age 30 or 35. Your doctor can help to determine this.

Q3: What happens if something is detected during the heart screening?
A3: Depending on the condition, the doctor will advise you on the steps you should take. This can include changing your lifestyle to a healthier one, and some medications may be given to address your risk factors such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In some cases, more advanced treatments may be necessary.

[Clinic Name] Dongguk University Ilsan Medical Centre
[Location] Goyang, South Korea
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] Clinic is 20 mins drive from the city center of Seoul and about 8 mins walk from Daehan Theater.
[Clinic Opening Time] 24 hrs