Cardiovascular Check-Up: What's Included and What's Not

A "cardiovascular check-up" can mean anything from a basic ECG to a comprehensive multi-modality workup. The difference matters because cardiac disease is largely silent until late stages. This light guide identifies the standard components and their value.

Tier 1: Basic Components

The minimum cardiovascular check-up should include:

• Blood pressure measurement (in office, plus 24-hour ambulatory if hypertension suspected)
• Resting 12-lead ECG
• Lipid panel (total, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, ApoB)
• HbA1c or fasting glucose
• Physical examination
• Family history review

Cost: US $200-500 cash; ¥300-800 China.

Tier 2: Structural Imaging

For symptomatic patients or those over 50 with risk factors:

• Echocardiogram (transthoracic): chamber sizes, valvular function, ejection fraction
• Carotid Doppler ultrasound: significant carotid stenosis
• Cardiac biomarkers (BNP, troponin if indicated)

Cost: US $700-1,800 cash; ¥1,200-2,500 China.

Tier 3: Functional Testing

For symptoms suggesting coronary disease:

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

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

Tier 4: Anatomic Coronary Imaging

For higher-risk evaluation:

• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score: non-contrast cardiac CT
• Coronary CT angiography (CTA): with IV contrast
• Cardiac MRI: tissue characterization
• Invasive coronary angiography: gold standard but invasive

Cost: US $500-7,500 cash; ¥500-6,500 China.

For matching the right cardiac workup to your risk profile, our team can help.

What's Optional

Components that are sometimes included but not always necessary:

• Holter monitor (24-48 hour rhythm): for palpitations or unexplained syncope
• Tilt table test: for syncope workup
• Cardiac MRI (vs echo): when echo is inadequate
• Genetic testing: for familial cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia

Comprehensive Bundle Pricing

Top Chinese hospitals offer cardiovascular check-up bundles:

• Basic (¥1,500-3,500): BP + ECG + lipid panel + echo + carotid Doppler
• Comprehensive (¥4,000-8,000): adds CAC score + stress test + advanced biomarkers
• Premium (¥10,000-20,000): adds cardiac MRI + CCTA + comprehensive consult

Centers: Fuwai Hospital Beijing (National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases), Zhongshan Cardiovascular Shanghai, Beijing Anzhen, West China Cardiovascular Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I do a cardiac CT or stress test first?
Depends on symptoms. For non-acute risk stratification, CAC score is often preferred (lower radiation, more direct measurement of plaque burden). For symptoms, stress testing or CT angiography is more useful.

How often should I do a cardiac check-up?
Annually for hypertensive or diabetic patients, those with family history of early heart disease, or smokers. Every 2-3 years for low-risk asymptomatic adults over 40.

Will my insurance pay for these tests?
US Medicare and major commercial insurers cover most cardiac tests when clinically indicated. Screening tests (CAC) may not be covered.

Are Chinese cardiovascular centers comparable to US?
At top tier-1 centers (Fuwai, Zhongshan, Anzhen), yes. Same equipment, same protocols, excellent volume and outcomes.

Need Help Booking?

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