Even fit and healthy people can have undiagnosed heart conditions that put them at risk. Getting proper screening and knowing the warning signs is vital to catching problems early and improving outcomes.
Heart Conditions Can Develop Silently
Many people assume that if they exercise regularly and follow a healthy lifestyle, they don’t need to worry about heart disease or other cardiovascular problems. But some heart conditions have no obvious symptoms in the early stages and can develop without the person realising it.
For example, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a thickening of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. It affects 1 in 500 people and is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Most people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy don’t experience symptoms for many years. The same goes for other issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms. That’s why a full heart checkup and testing are so important.
The Risks of Misdiagnosis
When someone does start to show concerning cardiac symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or heart palpitations, getting an accurate diagnosis is critical. But for fit and healthy people, the symptoms may be misdiagnosed at first. Doctors know that on the surface, young or active people are at lower risk for cardiovascular disease. So, they may look for other explanations first.
This can lead to missed opportunities for early treatment. And if the person does have a serious underlying heart problem, the consequences can be severe or even fatal. For example, arrhythmias left untreated can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Having a proper workup that thoroughly evaluates the heart can help identify issues before they become life-threatening events.
Know the Warning Signs
While doctors play a key role in diagnosis, individuals also need to recognise important warning signs. Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most well-known heart attack symptoms. But shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the arm or jaw, and fatigue can also signal heart trouble. Dizziness, light-headedness and fainting could indicate an arrhythmia or other electrical issue.
Don’t assume symptoms while exercising are just due to overexertion. Pay attention if they don’t resolve quickly or happen repeatedly. Even mild symptoms can give an early hint of underlying heart disease. Don’t hesitate to see a doctor and describe the symptoms in detail. The more information they have, the better chance of an accurate diagnosis.
Request Appropriate Cardiac Tests
To diagnose heart problems, doctors may start with bloodwork, an EKG, a chest X-ray and other basic tests. However, more advanced cardiac imaging or monitoring tests are usually needed to confirm an issue like blocked arteries, abnormal heartbeat, or poor pumping function. Patients shouldn’t be shy about asking for a Holter monitor, echocardiogram, stress test, cardiac CT or cardiac MRI if they have persistent symptoms with no explanation.
You can have a private heart check to save time if you are worried about heart health. A comprehensive full heart checkup will pick up any undiagnosed issues, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Getting the right testing is especially important for fit patients whose good health may mask early-stage heart disease. Don’t assume you’re too young or healthy to have a heart problem. Be your own advocate and speak up about getting the tests you need to definitively rule out or diagnose cardiovascular trouble.