Heart Health After 40
Once you hit 40, things start to shift, and your heart is no exception. You might feel fine on the surface, but underneath, it’s better to start thinking more seriously about your heart health. Many adults begin to wonder about their heart health and whether they should consider additional screening tests like an ECG.
At Premier Private GP, we see many patients who come in feeling generally well but want to make sure everything’s ticking along nicely inside. We help people in Surrey and Berkshire understand when it’s time for more than just a quick chat like getting an ECG test.
What Is an ECG Test?
ECG or EKG is a simple, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. This painless procedure takes just a few minutes and provides insights into your heart’s rhythm, rate, and overall function.
Why heart health matters more after 40
Ageing brings changes in how the heart works. From age 40 onwards, our cardiovascular system begins to change subtly:
● Blood vessels may lose a little of their flexibility
● Systolic blood pressure tends to rise
● Heart muscle can thicken with time
● Cholesterol and fat metabolism can shift
● Hormonal changes around menopause can affect women
Though these changes happen gradually, they can accumulate. That’s why heart screening is becoming more valuable. It’s not about waiting for a problem; it’s about observing small issues early to prevent bigger ones. Learn about menopause diet for women over 45.
How an ECG Test Fits into Heart Screening
At Premier Private GP we offer personalised cardiovascular screening packages. Whether you’re due a baseline ECG, or it’s time for your next check-in, we combine the ECG test with other assessments:
● Blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation
● Blood pressure readings
● Lifestyle discussion about exercise, diet, stress
● Optional follow-up tests like echocardiograms or Holter monitors
We provide personalised insights into your overall heart health. That’s preventive care in action.
Risk Factors That Increase After 40
Several cardiovascular risk factors become more prevalent or significant after 40:
● Family history of heart disease
● High blood pressure (hypertension)
● High cholesterol levels
● Diabetes or pre-diabetes
● Obesity or weight gain
● Sedentary lifestyle
● Smoking history
● Chronic stress
● Sleep disorders
When to Consider an ECG
For Everyone Over 40
If you’ve never had your heart checked, an ECG at 40 makes an excellent starting point. It gives us a baseline to compare with in the future and reassures you that everything is in order and fine.
For Those at Higher Risk
If you have any of the following, an annual ECG is wise:
● High blood pressure or cholesterol
● Diabetes or obesity
● Family history of heart disease
● Long-term stress, sleep issues, or a smoking past
Beyond the ECG: Full Cardiovascular Screening
ECGs can show arrhythmias, past heart damage, or signs of poor blood flow, but they don’t reveal everything.
That’s why we often recommend adding:
● Lipid screens to assess cholesterol
● Blood sugar or HbA1c if diabetes is a concern
● CRP or other markers that indicate inflammation
● Blood pressure, weight, and body composition
● Lifestyle discussions including diet, stress, and activity levels
Together, these checks give us a comprehensive view of your cardiovascular health, allowing you to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and preventive steps.
Understanding “Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack”
People often mix these two up, but they are very different:
● A heart attack happens when a blocked artery stops blood flow to part of the heart. You’re usually conscious, and symptoms often include chest pain or pressure.
● A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating. It’s an emergency and can be deadly without immediate help.
Knowing the difference matters. A heart attack might allow time to call 999, while cardiac arrest requires CPR and defibrillation right away. Regular heart screening helps assess your risk for both, especially with ECG that can show warning signs.
The ECG Process at Premier Private GP What to Expect During Your Visit
Preparation:
● No special preparation required
● Wear comfortable, easily removable clothing
● Avoid lotions or oils on chest area
● Inform us of any medications you’re taking
During the Test:
● Comfortable position lying down
● Small electrodes placed on skin
● Test takes 5-10 minutes
● Completely painless procedure
● Immediate results available
After the Test:
● Immediate discussion of results
● Explanation of any abnormalities
● Recommendations for follow-up if needed
● Integration with your overall health plan
Expert Interpretation
Our experienced Family Medicine Consultant, Dr. Muddassar Ahmed, personally reviews all ECG results. You can trust that your results are interpreted by a qualified professional who understands the nuances of cardiac health.
How to Keep Your Heart in Top Shape
● Embrace a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, grains, fruit, vegetables and fish
● A good 150 minute of moderate exercise a week is great for heart health and of course some strength training
● Manage stress with good sleep, relaxation practices, or talking things through
● Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly Make a genuine difference.
Take small steps daily to add up to big rewards years down the line.
Take Action
A basic ECG or a full heart screening, your choice. We will be here when you’re ready. Just give us a call on 01252 224444. We’ll find a time that suits you, explain what to expect, and look after your heart together.
In Summary
Reaching 40 should not be a reason to worry. All you must do is take charge of your heart health. An ECG test is a simple, reliable starting point. Combined with wider cardiovascular screening, it helps you stay ahead of things like arrhythmia, blocked arteries, or early cardiac signs. Premier Private GP makes that process easy, personalised and supportive because that’s how we would want it for our own families. Get the right support and care for your health.
