Cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of ill health, and many risk factors develop without obvious symptoms. A cardiac check-up can assess your heart, identify preventable risks and investigate warning signs before they become more serious.
At SAMON Clinic in Madrid, cardiac assessments are tailored to your age, medical history, symptoms, lifestyle and level of physical activity.
What is a cardiac health check-up?
A cardiac check-up is a preventive assessment carried out by a cardiologist. There is no single standard test for everyone: the specialist first evaluates your individual risk and then selects the tests that are clinically appropriate.
The aim is to:
- Identify cardiovascular risk factors.
- Detect previously unrecognised heart conditions.
- Investigate symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness or palpitations.
- Assess whether exercise is safe and suitable.
- Establish a personalised prevention and follow-up plan.
What may be included?
Medical history and cardiovascular risk assessment
The consultation covers your personal and family history, current medicines, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, sleep, stress, diet and physical activity. Any symptoms, and whether they occur at rest or during exertion, are reviewed in detail.
Physical examination
The cardiologist checks your blood pressure and heart rate and looks for relevant cardiovascular signs. Weight and other measurements may also be recorded when they are useful for assessing risk.
Resting electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, records the heart’s electrical activity. It can identify certain rhythm abnormalities, conduction changes and other signs that may need further investigation.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to assess the structure and function of the heart, including its chambers, valves, pumping action and blood flow.
Exercise testing
An exercise test may be recommended if symptoms occur during exertion, if you are preparing for demanding exercise or if the cardiologist needs to assess how your heart responds to physical activity.
Ambulatory monitoring
A Holter monitor records the heart rhythm over a longer period and can be useful when palpitations, dizziness or intermittent symptoms do not occur during a standard ECG. Ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring may also provide a more representative picture than a single clinic reading.
Blood tests and risk estimation
Blood tests may measure cholesterol, glucose and other relevant markers. Risk calculators can help estimate the likelihood of future cardiovascular events and guide preventive care.
Who should consider a check-up?
A cardiac assessment may be advisable if you:
- Are over 40 and have never had your cardiovascular risk assessed.
- Have a family history of premature heart disease or sudden cardiac death.
- Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
- Smoke or have smoked in the past.
- Are overweight or physically inactive.
- Are starting high-intensity exercise.
- Experience chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness or fainting.
- Have had a cardiovascular event or already live with heart disease.
You do not need to wait for symptoms. Prevention is often most effective before cardiovascular disease becomes apparent.
What are the benefits?
- Earlier identification of risk factors or disease.
- A clearer understanding of your individual cardiovascular health.
- Personalised advice on exercise, nutrition, sleep and smoking.
- Timely treatment when necessary.
- Safer participation in sport or demanding physical activity.
- A follow-up plan based on measurable findings rather than guesswork.
How often should you have a cardiac check-up?
| Situation | General approach |
| Young adult with no symptoms or risk factors | Assessment as part of routine preventive care or when circumstances change. |
| Adult over 40 | Periodic cardiovascular risk review, with frequency based on findings. |
| Several risk factors | More regular monitoring as advised by the clinician. |
| Known cardiovascular disease | Follow-up according to the treatment plan. |
| New symptoms | Assessment without waiting for the next routine review. |
These are broad principles. Your cardiologist will recommend an appropriate interval based on your results and individual risk.
Cardiac check-ups at SAMON Clinic
Our cardiology service combines a specialist consultation with the tests needed for a thorough, practical assessment. The findings are explained clearly, and you receive an individual plan for prevention, treatment or further investigation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cardiac check-up painful?
Most tests are non-invasive and painless. Exercise testing involves physical effort, but it is supervised and adjusted to your capacity.
How long does it take?
The duration depends on which tests are required. The clinic can explain the expected schedule when the appointment is arranged.
Do I need symptoms to see a cardiologist?
No. Many cardiovascular risk factors and some heart conditions do not initially cause symptoms.
Can a check-up prevent a heart attack?
No check-up can eliminate all risk, but identifying and treating risk factors can substantially improve prevention and reveal conditions that need attention.
