What Is the Apex Comprehensive Heart & Health Screening?
Many health conditions develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease over time, making regular health assessments appropriate for some individuals.
The Apex Comprehensive Heart & Health Screening is designed to provide a more extensive evaluation of your cardiovascular health and general wellbeing. It combines a cardiology consultation, heart investigations, imaging, and comprehensive laboratory tests to assess heart function and identify potential cardiovascular risk factors.
Depending on your clinical needs, the screening includes either a Stress Echocardiogram or a CT Coronary Angiogram, as advised by your cardiologist.
Key Points
- Includes consultation and physical examination by a consultant cardiologist
- Evaluates heart rhythm, heart structure, and heart function
- Includes either a Stress Echocardiogram or CT Coronary Angiogram
- Comprehensive blood and urine tests assess cardiovascular and general health
- Results are reviewed and explained during a follow-up consultation
Who May Benefit From a Comprehensive Heart Screening?
Not everyone requires an extensive heart evaluation. However, some individuals may benefit from more detailed cardiovascular assessment based on their age, medical history, symptoms, or risk factors.
Your cardiologist may discuss this screening if you:
- Are aged 40 years or older
- Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Smoke or have smoked previously
- Are overweight or obese
- Experience chest discomfort, breathlessness, or palpitations
- Are planning to begin a higher level of physical activity
- Wish to better understand your cardiovascular health
The most appropriate screening approach depends on your individual medical history and clinical assessment.
What Does the Apex Comprehensive Heart & Health Screening Include?
This screening package combines several assessments to provide a broad overview of your cardiovascular health.
The package includes:
Clinical Assessment
Your appointment begins with a consultation and physical examination by a consultant cardiologist.
This includes:
- Review of your medical history
- Discussion of symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors
- Physical examination
- Measurement of:
- Weight
- Height
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Body Surface Area (BSA)
Heart Tests
The package includes several investigations that assess different aspects of heart health.
These include:
- Heart Tests -The package includes several investigations that assess different aspects of heart health. These include:
- 12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Evaluates the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart.
- Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound imaging to examine the heart’s chambers, valves, and pumping function.
You will also undergo one of the following investigations:
- Option 1: Stress Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram combines exercise with ultrasound imaging to assess how the heart functions during physical exertion. This option also includes a Chest X-ray. - Option 2: CT Coronary Angiogram
A CT Coronary Angiogram uses specialised CT imaging to visualise the coronary arteries and assess for narrowing or plaque. When this option is selected, a chest X-ray is not included.
Your cardiologist will recommend the most appropriate investigation based on your symptoms, risk factors, and clinical assessment.
Why Are These Heart Tests Performed Together?
Each heart test answers a different clinical question.
Rather than relying on a single investigation, these tests work together to provide a more complete understanding of your cardiovascular health.
For example:
- The ECG evaluates heart rhythm.
- The echocardiogram examines the heart’s structure and pumping function.
- A stress echocardiogram assesses how the heart responds to exercise.
- A CT coronary angiogram provides detailed images of the coronary arteries.
Your cardiologist interprets these findings together with your examination and medical history.
What Blood and Urine Tests Are Included?
In addition to the heart investigations, the package includes laboratory tests that evaluate factors associated with cardiovascular health and general wellbeing.
These include:
Full Blood Count
Evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Kidney Function
- Urea
- Creatinine
Cholesterol Profile
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
- Triglycerides
Blood Glucose
Assesses blood sugar levels.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
Measures a marker associated with inflammation that may be considered alongside other cardiovascular risk factors.
Uric Acid
Measures uric acid levels in the blood.
Thyroid Function
- Free T4
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Liver Function Tests
- Total Protein
- Albumin
- Globulin
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio
- Total Bilirubin
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT)
Urine Examination
Urine formed elements and microscopic examination.
These tests help provide additional information about your general health and may identify factors relevant to your cardiovascular assessment.
What Happens During My Appointment?
A comprehensive health screening involves several steps, but your visit is planned so each assessment is carried out in an organised manner.
Your appointment will generally include:
- Consultation with the consultant cardiologist.
- Review of your medical history and cardiovascular risk factors.
- Physical examination.
- Heart investigations.
- Blood and urine sample collection.
- Review of your results during a follow-up consultation.
Once all investigations have been completed, your cardiologist will explain your findings and discuss whether any further evaluation or follow-up is appropriate.
How Do I Prepare for My Heart Screening?
Preparing for your appointment helps ensure your investigations can be completed smoothly.
Before your visit, you may be advised to:
- Follow fasting instructions if required for your blood tests.
- Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear if undergoing a stress echocardiogram.
- Bring a list of your current medications.
- Inform the clinic of any allergies, kidney disease, or previous reactions to contrast dye, particularly if a CT coronary angiogram has been recommended.
The clinic will provide any specific preparation instructions before your appointment.
What Happens After My Results Are Reviewed?
The purpose of the screening is not simply to perform tests but to help you understand what the findings mean for your health.
During your review appointment, your consultant cardiologist will explain your results, discuss any cardiovascular risk factors that have been identified, and answer your questions.
If additional investigations, lifestyle modifications, monitoring, or treatment are appropriate, these will be discussed based on your individual clinical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between the Stress Echocardiogram and CT Coronary Angiogram?
A stress echocardiogram evaluates how the heart functions during exercise using ultrasound imaging, while a CT coronary angiogram provides detailed images of the coronary arteries using CT technology. Your cardiologist will recommend the most suitable investigation for your circumstances.
2. Do I need to fast before the screening?
Some blood tests and imaging studies may require fasting. The clinic will advise you before your appointment if fasting is necessary.
3. How long does the screening take?
The duration depends on the investigations being performed. The clinic can provide an estimated appointment time when your booking is confirmed.
4. Will I receive my results on the same day?
Some results may be available during your visit, while laboratory investigations and imaging reports may require additional processing time. Your cardiologist will arrange a review appointment to discuss the complete findings.
5. Is this screening suitable if I have no symptoms?
Some individuals choose to undergo cardiovascular screening because of their age, family history, or other risk factors. Whether this screening is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances and should be discussed during your consultation.
Book a Comprehensive Heart & Health Assessment
Learning more about your cardiovascular health can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your ongoing care.
The Apex Comprehensive Heart & Health Screening includes a consultant cardiologist consultation, heart investigations, comprehensive laboratory testing, and a detailed review of your results.
Package Information
Apex Comprehensive Heart & Health Screening
- Option 1: S$1,199.00* (Stress Echocardiogram)
- Option 2: S$1,580.50* (CT Coronary Angiogram)
Prices include 9% GST.
The package includes:
Clinical Assessment
- Consultation and physical examination by a Consultant
- Cardiologist
- Weight
- Height
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Body Surface Area (BSA)
Heart Tests
- 12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
Choose one of the following:
Option A
- Stress Echocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
Option B
- CT Coronary Angiogram
(Chest X-ray not included with this option.)
Blood Tests
- Full Blood Count
- Kidney Function
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Cholesterol Profile
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
- Triglycerides
- Blood Glucose
- High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
- Uric Acid
- Thyroid Function
- Free T4
- TSH
- Liver Function Tests
- Total Protein
- Albumin
- Globulin
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio
- Total Bilirubin
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT)
- Urine Formed Elements and Microscopic Examination
Results Review
- Review and explanation of findings by a Consultant Cardiologist
Important Information
* Prices include 9% GST.
** Package components and pricing are subject to change without prior notice.
