For body composition measurements, BP, vaccination history including HPV vaccination, Pelvic Congestion syndrome score assessment, risk factor and medication record.
Young adult’s circulation fitness screen – Female
This is a focussed assessment of circulatory health for young women between the ages of 16 to 25 years. They are more likely to develop specific conditions like vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation), painful periods that may be from circulation problems in the pelvis and thoracic outlet syndrome causing arm and neck pain from pressure on the arm blood vessels. If picked up early, simple measures and awareness alone can prevent progression in most young ladies. If missed, later complications can lead to major the need for surgery. The screen includes:
- Pelvic Congestion syndrome screening
- Thyroid and autoimmune antibody screening
- Targeted cardiovascular assessment for young women and consultation to preserve circulation health
Women are thought to not have the same risk of heart and circulation disease as men. THIS IS UNTRUE. One in three women die from cardiovascular disease. This is because classical risk factors of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and smoking, which are common to both men and women, often affect women differently.
Hypertension is the most neglected health burden in women. Women experience more rapid increases of progressive blood pressure, as compared to men beginning as young as 30 to 40 years. Young women develop a condition affecting the kidney arteries called “fibromuscular dysplasia” that causes hypertension and kidney damage at younger ages. Asian women are predisposed to a “lean diabetic phenotype”, wherein diabetes is present without being overweight. Young women with painful or very heavy periods may have dilated veins in the pelvis causing pelvic congestion syndrome. Various birth control pills carry a small but real risk of clots forming in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) and even the pelvis. They are also 4-6 times more likely to have silent auto-immune disorder compared to male counterparts – which can lead to blood vessel inflammation also called “vasculitis”.
This screening program is designed to provide a detailed baseline assessment of the health of a young woman’s circulation as she steps out into the world. This allows them to be aware of what the challenges to their circulation may be as they grow older. They can then take informed measures to maintain circulation health and prevent complications from these circulation issues happening in the future.
Who is this screen for?
If you are a woman aged 16-25 years, and have never had a circulation health screen before, then this screening program is for you. Please note that if you are not yet 21 years of age at the time of screening, we will require your parent or guardian to give formal consent for this screening.
What tests does this screen contain?
Nurse assessment
Urine test
For blood cells, sugar and protein.
Blood tests
- Full blood count – low haemoglobin levels affect the ability of the circulation to carry oxygen; High white cell counts can signify infection.
- Glycated haemoglobin or HbA1C – a measure of average blood sugar control over 3 months
- Kidney function – poor kidney function can develop from a variety of circulation-related mechanisms
- Liver function
- Thyroid function – poor thyroid function can affect energy levels and mental concentration, academic and sport performance, menses, body weight
- Lipid (cholesterol) profile – to assess circulation health.
- Autoimmune antibody screen – to look for the risk of auto-immune vascular diseases
Chest Xray (with lower cervical spine)
This is to rule out a cervical rib and other thoracic abnormalities that can cause blood vessel complications in the chest.
ECG
Echocardiogram
A check to rule out asymptomatic heart valve issues or small undiagnosed holes in the heart that may progress or cause serious complications during sport like diving or snorkelling.
Peripheral Arterial Hemodynamic study
A non-invasive assessment of the blood pressure and doppler wave forms of the arteries at various levels in both the legs, to determine the presence and location of any compression or blockages in the legs from abnormal fibrous or muscular compression bands, which may cause acute limb threatening complications in future.
Consultation with a senior specialist vascular surgeon
To discuss results and develop an awareness for preserving circulation health and preventing circulation injury as they step into university and independent lives.
How do I prepare for this screen and how long does it take?
- If you have booked this screen, you should have received instructions on what to expect on-email or phone. If not, please call the clinic at least 1 day before the screen on +65 64720503 during working hours to confirm the instructions.
- The screen is conducted over 2 days. Plan about 4 hours in the clinic on the first day and about 1 hour on the second day.
- You will need to come in the morning on Day 1 having fasted (without having had anything to eat) for at least 6 hours. You may have clear non-sugary drinks, black coffee or black tea.
- Wear comfortable loose clothing and shoes for the first day. A T-shirt and shorts or track bottoms are ideal.
What can I expect on the screening days?
- On Day 1 of the screen, you will first be registered for the screening. Parental consent is needed if you are less than 21 years old – so bring mum or dad along at the start.
- You will then be asked to provide a mid-stream urine sample and have your blood tests as you are fasting.
- You may then go and have breakfast and return to clinic where you will have the nurse assessment.
- All remaining tests will be done after that and should usually be completed on Day 1. Day 1 may need up to 4 hours to complete.
- On Day 2 (which can be scheduled to your convenience but would be at least 3-5 days after Day 1 to allow for all test results to come back in), you will see the specialist vascular surgeon for a consultation and discussion. Day 2 may need up to 1 hour to complete. Please eat and drink as normal on Day 2.
What if my screening detects a problem?
- We will give you a detailed report and recommendations in writing to take away.
- If screening results suggest you need further investigations or treatment, you will also be given a note for you to show your family doctor to make a formal referral to us. Further treatments or tests may not be covered by insurance if there is not a formal referral.
- Your screening results and reports are NOT shared by us with your doctor or any third party including your insurers or employers. Sharing your report results with other doctors, insurers or employers is for you to do as you deem fit but is recommended.
How often is a young adult’s circulation fitness screen needed?
This comprehensive screen is needed as a one-off screen only as young women enter university, national service or begin independent adult lives , to ensure that any underlying conditions that may need future follow-up or lifestyle awareness are detected early. Any further follow up and treatment, if required, will depend on what the screening tests show.
you are covered
We are on the panel with most insurers in Singapore and with many international insurers; We also offer convenient options for self-paying patients.
