Should I Get My Heart Checked? What You Need to Know About Preventive Screening
- Feb 11
- 5 min read
Updated: 15 hours ago
An interview with: Dr Woo Jia Wei | MBBS, MRCP(UK), FAMS(Cardiology) | Cardiologist in Singapore & Medical Director practising at Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic specialising in preventive cardiology, cardiac imaging, and the management of heart disease.
Why Heart Health Matters Even Before Symptoms
In Singapore, many people associate heart issues with dramatic symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness. But heart disease often develops quietly, without warning signs. At Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic, we frequently see patients who feel perfectly fine, until a routine check-up reveals early signs of cardiovascular risk.
We spoke with Dr Woo Jia Wei, Cardiologist in Singapore and Medical Director at Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic, about the importance of early heart screening. In this conversation, Dr Woo shares insights on who may benefit from preventive heart checks, what to expect during a screening, and why listening to your heart before it “speaks up” can make all the difference.
What You Will Learn in This Interview
Watch the Interview
Audio version coming soon on PodBean
Prefer reading You can also read the full transcript here
What Is Preventive Heart Screening?
A preventive heart screening refers to heart checks done before any symptoms develop. The idea is simple, rather than waiting for something to feel wrong, you get an early look at factors that may affect your heart health.
Dr Woo says,
“Screening isn’t about creating worry. It’s about noticing patterns and understanding your individual heart profile.”
Unlike urgent medical tests done after a problem begins, preventive screening helps you learn about your risk factors early on.
Why This Matters Even If You Feel Well
Heart disease can be silent in its early stages. You might still feel normal even as changes occur beneath the surface. That’s why screening matters and it gives you a clearer picture of your heart’s health and where you stand.
Screening can help identify:
Blood pressure changes
Cholesterol and sugar levels
Heart rhythm irregularities
Early structural or functional indicators of heart stress
These aren’t “problems” on their own, instead they’re clues that help your healthcare provider personalise care that fits your needs.
Who Might Consider Heart Screening in Singapore?
You don’t need to wait for symptoms to think about your heart. Dr Woo suggests considering screening if you:
Are aged 40 or above
Have family history of heart disease
Live with high blood pressure or diabetes
Smoke or used to smoke
Lead a sedentary lifestyle
Have elevated cholesterol
Even if none of these apply, a heart check can help you understand your baseline, and make confident choices for your health journey.
What Screening Involves In Plain Language
Dr Woo emphasises that heart screening is not intimidating.
Common parts of a check‑up may include:
Blood pressure and blood tests
to check risk markers
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
a quick, non‑invasive recording of your heart’s activity
Echocardiogram
an ultrasound of your heart’s structure
Stress test
to see how your heart responds during activity
Each test is selected based on your personal health profile, and Dr Woo explains each step so you know what it means.
Talking With Your Specialist: What Makes It Different
For Dr Woo, it’s not just about the tests. It’s about the conversation.
“I always start by listening,” Dr Woo says. “What matters to you? What’s your lifestyle like? What are you concerned about? Once we understand that together, we can tailor the right approach.”
This patient‑centred approach ensures that you are part of the process, not just a set of results.
A Heart Health Mindset: Not Just a Checklist
Preventive heart screening isn’t a single appointment. It’s part of a broader mindset of caring for your future. Dr Woo helps patients view heart health not as something to fear, but something to stay curious about.
He encourages everyone to think of screening as a way to:
Understand personal risks
Make thoughtful lifestyle choices
Track changes over time
Feel more confident in daily wellbeing
Services at Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic
At Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic, care spans from everyday heart checks to advanced cardiovascular assessments and personalised management plans.
Conditions Commonly Assessed Include:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Abnormal cholesterol or lipid profiles
Diabetes‑related cardiovascular risk
Palpitations and irregular heart rhythms
Early signs of coronary artery disease
Shortness of breath or unexplained fatigue
Screening and Diagnostic Services Available:
Heart risk assessment and physical examination
Blood tests to evaluate cholesterol, sugar and other markers
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart rhythm
Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) to assess heart structure and function
Stress testing to observe heart response during exercise or activity
By offering both preventive screening and detailed diagnostic assessments in one clinic, patients can receive care that is cohesive, personalised, and easy to navigate. Whether you’re looking to understand your heart health better or manage an existing condition, Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic aims to guide you with clarity and support.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Many people come to a cardiologist only when they experience symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. However, as Dr Woo Jia Wei highlights, heart conditions often develop silently. That’s why an early and thorough consultation matters.
Before the Appointment
Patients are encouraged to bring a list of current medications, medical reports, and any prior test results. If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or cholesterol, noting this down can also help guide the discussion.
During the Consultation
During the consultation, expect a thorough review of your medical history, a resting ECG, and a clear explanation of any findings. Additional tests like an echocardiogram or treadmill stress test may be arranged based on your symptoms and risk profile.
After the Tests
Dr Woo explains the results clearly and simply. Patients leave the clinic understanding their heart health status and the steps they can take next, whether that’s medication, lifestyle changes, or regular monitoring.
As Dr Woo puts it,
“I want patients to understand what is happening in their heart, what risks they face, and what steps we can take together.”
This patient-first approach is central to the care at Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic.
Meet Dr Woo Jia Wei
Dr Woo Jia Wei is a Cardiologist in Singapore and Medical Director at Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic.
He is experienced in managing a wide range of heart conditions, including chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms. He also has special expertise in treating patients with heart failure and complex coronary artery disease.
Dr Woo believes that good heart care begins with clear, compassionate communication. He takes time to understand each patient’s lifestyle, concerns, and risk factors to create a personalised and evidence-based care plan. Whether it’s preventive heart screening, managing high cholesterol, or offering support after a heart event, his goal is to guide patients toward better heart health with clarity and confidence.
Clinic Overview
Sunrise Heart Specialist Clinic
365 Sembawang Crescent, #01‑02, Singapore 750365
Phone: +65 6235 1137
Whatsapp: +65 8866 5345
Website: sunriseheart.com.sg
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday 9.00am – 9.00pm
Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm
Lunch Break 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Sundays & Public Holidays Closed
Disclaimer
This interview is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified specialist in Singapore for personalised care.
