Heart Health Checks: How to Check Your Heart and When to See a GP
Your heart works continuously to keep your body functioning, making it important to pay attention to your heart health. While you can perform a simple home heart check to learn more about your pulse or heart rate, these checks should never replace a professional medical assessment. Understanding what to look for can help you recognise when it’s time to seek advice from your GP.
How to Check Your Heart at Home
A basic home heart check starts with learning how to measure your pulse. You can do this by placing two fingers on your wrist or the side of your neck and counting your heartbeats for one minute. This can give you an idea of your heart rate and whether your heartbeat feels regular.
Although checking your pulse can provide useful information, it cannot diagnose heart conditions. If you notice an unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, it’s important to arrange a medical assessment.
Using a Heart Rhythm Checker
Many people use a heart rhythm checker through a smartwatch, fitness tracker, or mobile device. These tools can help detect changes in heart rhythm and may encourage people to seek medical advice if an irregular pattern is identified.
However, these devices are not a substitute for a clinical examination. A GP may recommend further tests to accurately assess your heart rhythm and determine whether any treatment or ongoing monitoring is needed.
Can You Check Your Heart Health Online?
A heart health check online may ask questions about your age, lifestyle, family history, and other risk factors to estimate your risk of heart disease. While these assessments can raise awareness, they cannot provide a diagnosis or replace a physical examination.
If an online assessment suggests you may be at increased risk—or if you have symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or palpitations—you should book an appointment with your GP.
Heart Checks for Young Athletes
A heart check for young athletes can help identify underlying heart conditions before participating in competitive sports. These assessments are particularly important for those with a family history of heart disease or anyone who experiences fainting, chest pain, or unusual breathlessness during exercise.
Your GP can evaluate your medical history, perform a physical examination, and recommend additional tests if necessary to help ensure it is safe to participate in sporting activities.
When Should You See a GP?
Whether you’ve noticed changes while trying to check your heart beat, received an alert from a heart rhythm checker, or simply want reassurance about your cardiovascular health, a GP can provide a comprehensive assessment tailored to your individual needs.
At Willetton GP, we offer thorough heart health assessments, helping patients understand their risk factors, investigate symptoms, and take proactive steps to support long-term heart health
