Dr Devi Shetty Explains the Right Age to Start Heart Health Check-Ups

Following guidelines from the Cardiology Society of India, Dr Shetty has urged people to start heart screening in their teens and 30s rather than wait until their 50s or until symptoms appear.

A cholesterol test should begin at 17 years
Dr Shetty said every Indian should get their first cholesterol blood test at the age of 17. 

“Early cholesterol testing allows us to identify hidden risk and develop better habits before the onset of disease,” he said. 

He added that setting an early baseline and regular monitoring, along with a balanced diet and exercise, can go a long way in averting complications later in life.

A heart CT scan for men after 35 years is recommended
Dr Shetty suggests men have a heart CT scan between the ages of 35 and 40. The scan can pick up early plaque and signs of blocked arteries, often before any symptoms show.

If you screen early enough, you can intervene with preventive treatment and lifestyle change,” he said. If you can catch the problem while it’s building up silently, that can be the difference between prevention and emergency care.

Enhanced screening high-risk people
Some groups need to start even earlier, said Dr Shetty.

- Family history of heart disease: Start screening at age 30
- Diabetes: Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and screening may need to begin even sooner

He urged people who fit these categories to discuss with their doctor an individualised screening plan, rather than following a one-size-fits-all timeline.

Learn your heart health numbers
In addition to tests, it was important to keep a watch on the basic health parameters – blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar – Dr Shetty said.

This is especially true for people who do a lot of heavy workouts or competitive sports. Many heart problems develop silently, and regular checkups can catch them before they become serious.

“Prevention is always better than cure,” Dr Shetty said.

The importance of prevention
Heart disease continues to be one of the major causes of death in India. The doctors still stress that by the time chest pain or breathlessness occurs, it is too late.

The main steps of prevention are:
- Routine health examinations
- Exercise and healthy eating
- No tobacco use
- Stress and sleep management

If people can identify the risks early enough, they can take action in time and greatly improve their chances of keeping their hearts healthy for many years to come.