Cardiologist Recommends Heart Check-ups Before Autumn Rush

Cardiologist Robertas Pranevičius is advising individuals to take advantage of the current lull in medical appointments to schedule essential heart check-ups before the busy autumn season begins. He notes that the end of August typically sees fewer patients seeking consultations and tests, making it an opportune time for a stress-free health assessment.

“

Now patient flow in polyclinics is definitely lower and there are almost no queues for tests. However, in a few weeks, as September 29 World Heart Day approaches and related health campaigns, the flow usually increases. Therefore, now is a very good time to schedule and undergo heart tests without stress.

Pranevičius highlights that the period following summer holidays often brings positive physiological changes. Improved sleep patterns, increased physical activity, and reduced stress levels can lead to better heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of the autonomic nervous system's balance. He suggests that this period of rest provides a valuable baseline measurement of one's cardiovascular health, which can be compared with later readings taken during more demanding times.

“

Therefore, the end of summer is truly a suitable time not only to check basic indicators but also to have a reference point recorded during a period of calm, with which one can later compare their condition.

However, the cardiologist cautions against complacency based solely on resting heart tests. He explains that a standard electrocardiogram (EKG) taken in a relaxed state may not accurately reflect the heart's condition under daily stress and physical exertion. "A resting EKG shows only a few seconds of the heart's electrical activity at that specific moment," Pranevičius stated, adding that its sensitivity in detecting significant coronary artery disease can vary widely.

“

However, even an ideal cardiogram taken after the holidays does not always mean that everything is fine with the heart. A resting state EKG only shows a few seconds of the heart's electrical image at that specific moment.

This discrepancy is particularly relevant as people return to work. Pranevičius points to the "return to work phenomenon," where epidemiological data suggests an increase in acute cardiovascular events at the beginning of the work week, especially after extended breaks. Factors such as disrupted sleep, sudden return to intense activity, psychological stress, and circadian rhythm shifts can contribute to this heightened risk. Therefore, he emphasizes the importance of comprehensive monitoring beyond a single resting EKG, especially as World Heart Day approaches on September 29.

“

The image in a resting state may not reflect what happens on weekdays, under physical or emotional load.