Protect your heart before it’s too late: Top cardiologist reveals 4 must-know medical tests to uncover hidden risks

As heart disease continues to remain a leading cause of death worldwide, preventive care is gaining renewed attention. In a recent Instagram post, US based cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Dr Jeremy London outlined four key medical tests that, when used appropriately, can offer early insight into cardiovascular risk and help protect long term heart health.

Drawing from decades of clinical experience, Dr London stressed that understanding these tests empowers patients to have more informed conversations with their doctors, rather than pursuing unnecessary investigations.

Why screening matters before symptoms appear

According to Dr London, heart problems often develop silently. By the time symptoms surface, underlying damage may already be significant. His Instagram post highlighted that certain screening tools can detect early warning signs in blood vessels and heart structure, even in people who feel healthy.


However, he cautioned that these tests are not meant for everyone and should always be guided by individual risk factors, age and family history.

Test one looks beyond the heart itself

The first test Dr London discussed is the ankle brachial index, commonly known as ABI. This simple comparison of blood pressure readings taken at the arms and ankles helps identify reduced blood flow to the legs.

In his post, Dr London explained that poor circulation in the legs often signals plaque buildup elsewhere in the body. A low ABI, even in the absence of symptoms, has been shown to strongly predict future heart attacks and strokes.

A neck scan that reflects overall vascular health

The second screening tool highlighted was the carotid ultrasound. This test examines the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain.

Dr London noted that plaque in these arteries does more than increase stroke risk. It also serves as a marker of overall vascular health. Detecting changes here can provide valuable clues about what may be happening in the heart and other major blood vessels.

Understanding how the heart functions

An echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound, was the third test on Dr London’s list. This imaging technique shows how effectively the heart pumps blood, how well the valves open and close, and whether the heart muscle has become thickened or weakened.

According to his Instagram post, heart structure often predicts future function. Identifying abnormalities early can help doctors intervene before serious complications develop.

A closer look at coronary arteries

The fourth test Dr London mentioned was a cardiac CT angiogram. This advanced scan allows doctors to directly visualise the coronary arteries responsible for heart attacks.

He explained that this test can detect both soft and hardened plaque before it becomes dangerous, offering a critical window for prevention through lifestyle changes or medical treatment.

Not a checklist but a conversation starter

Despite outlining these four tests, Dr London was clear that they are tools rather than routine requirements. In his post, he emphasised that the right test depends on a person’s symptoms, age, risk profile and family history.

“The goal is not more testing,” he noted, but choosing the right test for the right person at the right time.

Dr Jeremy London, who practices in Georgia, is a board certified cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He is widely known for translating complex medical information into accessible public health advice through social media, podcasts and newsletters.

His message serves as a reminder that proactive heart care begins not with fear, but with informed decisions guided by medical expertise.