Heart Check-Up Test List: Complete Cardiac Workup

A "heart check-up" can mean a quick ECG and blood pressure measurement, or a comprehensive multi-modality evaluation. The right level depends on age, risk factors, and symptoms. This light guide gives a complete test list with indications.

Foundation Tests

Every cardiac check-up should include:

• Blood pressure (in office and home/ambulatory if elevated)
• Resting 12-lead ECG
• Lipid panel (total, LDL, HDL, triglycerides; advanced: ApoB, Lp(a))
• Fasting glucose and HbA1c
• BMI and waist circumference
• Smoking history and current habits
• Family history (early heart disease in 1st-degree relative)

Cost: $200-500 US; ¥300-800 China.

Structural Imaging

For patients over 50 or with symptoms:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram: chamber sizes, valve function, ejection fraction
• Carotid Doppler ultrasound: significant carotid stenosis
• Cardiac MRI: tissue characterization (myocarditis, infiltrative disease)

Cost: echo $400-1,000 US, ¥500-1,200 China; cardiac MRI $3,500-7,500 US, ¥3,000-6,500 China.

Functional Testing

For symptoms suggesting coronary disease:

• Exercise stress test (treadmill or bicycle)
• Stress echocardiogram
• Stress nuclear imaging (Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT)
• Cardiac MRI stress (with vasodilator)

Cost: $1,200-3,500 US; ¥1,500-4,000 China.

Anatomic Coronary Imaging

For risk stratification and definitive evaluation:

• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score: non-contrast cardiac CT, $100-400 US, ¥500-1,500 China
• Coronary CT angiography (CTA): with contrast, $500-1,800 US, ¥1,500-3,500 China
• Invasive coronary angiography: gold standard; reserved for high-risk

CAC score 0 = very low risk; 100-400 = moderate (statin warranted); >400 = high.

Cardiac Biomarkers

For specific clinical questions:

• BNP or NT-proBNP: heart failure assessment
• Troponin: acute injury (chest pain workup)
• CRP (high-sensitivity): inflammation contribution
• Homocysteine: in selected patients
• Lp(a): hereditary lipid risk factor

For tailored heart workup matching your risk profile, our team can help.

Rhythm Monitoring

When palpitations or unexplained syncope:

• Holter monitor: 24-48 hour rhythm
• Event monitor: weeks-long, patient-triggered
• Implantable loop recorder: months to years
• Tilt table test: for syncope workup

Cost: $200-1,200 US; ¥300-2,500 China.

Sample Cardiac Bundles

Basic (¥1,500-3,500 / $215-500): BP + ECG + lipid panel + echo + carotid Doppler

Comprehensive (¥4,000-8,000 / $570-1,150): adds CAC score + stress test + advanced lipids + cardiac biomarkers

Premium (¥10,000-20,000 / $1,430-2,860): adds cardiac MRI + CCTA + multidisciplinary consultation

Top Chinese cardiac centers: Fuwai Hospital Beijing (National CV Center), Zhongshan Cardiovascular Shanghai, Anzhen Beijing, West China Cardiovascular Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a stress test if I'm asymptomatic?
Generally not for routine screening. CAC score is increasingly preferred for asymptomatic risk stratification.

Is CAC the same as a coronary CTA?
No. CAC is a non-contrast, low-radiation study showing calcified plaque burden. CCTA is a contrast study showing full coronary anatomy. CCTA is more comprehensive but uses contrast and higher radiation.

How often should I do a heart check-up?
Annual for hypertensive, diabetic, or smokers. Every 2-3 years for low-risk asymptomatic adults over 40.

Will my US insurance pay for these tests?
Most cardiac tests are covered when clinically indicated. Screening tests (CAC for asymptomatic patients) are sometimes self-pay.

Need Help Booking?

SinoCareLink can pre-book a comprehensive heart check-up at a top Chinese cardiovascular center, translate reports into English, and arrange airport pickup. Contact us for a free consultation.