I'm terribly sorry to hear about your friend.

I have had cardiac check-ups at least once a year for my whole life. In several instances, new problems were found at one of the check-ups and the wheels were set in motion to mend things. Further, when I was in hospital for the cardiac arrest, the bulge in my aorta was discovered by accident.

I live in the UK. Perhaps the NHS are more will to keep tabs on people than private health services in other countries.