Lipoprotein(a) test
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a cholesterol-carrying particle whose level is mostly set by your genes.
Read the guide
Tests · Dubai
Heart check-up: what it includes, and what it does not
A heart check-up with a cardiologist combines your history, an examination, an ECG and only the tests you need, followed by a clear explanation of your own risk. It is not a fixed package of every scan. Dr Shady Habboush carries out cardiology check-ups and risk reviews at Saudi German Hospital Dubai.
Dr Shady HabboushConsultant Interventional Cardiology · Saudi German Hospital Dubai2 min read4 sourcesMedically reviewed against ESC and NHS guidance
01
Who it is for
- A family history of early heart disease or sudden death
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking
- Before starting intense exercise, especially over 40 or with risk factors
- Symptoms you are unsure about, such as palpitations or breathlessness
Risks and alternatives
Extra tests can find small, unimportant findings that lead to more tests. That is why tests are added only when they can change your care.
02
How the test works
- 01
History: symptoms, medicines, family history and lifestyle.
- 02
Examination, blood pressure, weight and waist.
- 03
A 12-lead ECG.
- 04
Blood tests if not recent: cholesterol, Lp(a) once in life, sugar (HbA1c) and kidney function.
- 05
Further tests only if there is a reason: an echo, a stress test or a CT scan.
- 06
A summary of your risk and a written plan.
03
Understanding the result
If everything is reassuring, you will be told when to check again.
If a risk factor is found, the plan explains how to treat it and how to follow it up.
Prices and packages are set by the hospital. The appointment line can tell you what applies to you and your insurance.
Included and not included
- Usually included
- History, examination, blood pressure, ECG, review of your blood tests, risk explanation
- Added only if needed
- Echo, exercise test, Holter monitor, CT coronary calcium score or CT angiogram
- Not part of a check-up
- Tests without a clinical reason, and routine whole-body scans
04
Questions about this
Do I need a heart check if I feel well?
Not everyone does. It is worth considering with risk factors, a strong family history, or before starting intense exercise.
Is an ECG enough?
An ECG is an important part, but it can be normal even with narrowed arteries. Your risk factors decide whether more tests make sense.
What should I bring?
Previous ECGs, echo or stress test reports, recent blood tests, and a list of your medicines.
Is it covered by insurance?
Insurance is handled by Saudi German Hospital Dubai. Ask the appointment line to check your plan when you book.
05
Related guides
High blood pressure
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but over years it strains the heart, arteries, kidneys and brain.
Read the guideChest pain
Chest pain has many causes, from muscles and the stomach to the lungs and the heart.
Read the guideSources
Medical facts on this page follow the sources below.
- 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice. Eur Heart J 2021
- NHS: Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- NHS: Echocardiogram
- NHS: Health check
Medically reviewed against ESC and NHS guidance · Updated October 2026. General information, not medical advice.
Location and booking
Book a consultation
Appointments are made through Saudi German Hospital Dubai, Hessa Street, Al Barsha 3. Consultations in Arabic, English and German.
- Address
- Hessa Street, Al Barsha 3, Dubai
- Languages
- Arabic, English, German
Chest pain right now? Do not wait for an appointment. Call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department.