India has one of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the world, and the number of deaths from CVD is increasing every year. CVD risk factors have increased steadily over the past 25 years, especially in urban areas.
According to the study, Indians have greater rates of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and abdominal obesity, even at young ages, than people from other ethnic groups. Such risk factors tend to increase the risk of heart blockages significantly.
However, the reasons for such a high burden of risk factors are still uncertain as these factors are still being studied by scientists. A life-course approach should focus on promoting health during childhood and adolescence, preventing CVD in those at risk, and managing established heart disease and stroke.
Self-diagnosing a major problem like a heart blockage is not safe, even while there are techniques to keep an eye on your heart health at home. A medical emergency occurs if your heart's blood flow is impeded. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan to reduce your risk of a heart attack if they find that you have plaque accumulation inside your arteries. However, keeping a check on your heart blockages can be done at home also. Let's learn how to check your heart for blockage at home?
What is Heart Blockage?
When plaque, a sticky material, builds up in the arteries supplying blood to your heart, it can cause a heart blockage. Plaque is composed of calcium, cellular waste materials, fat, cholesterol, and fibrin (a clotting agent). Atherosclerosis is the term for the condition characterized by constriction of the arteries that can result from plaque accumulation in the blood vessels. It results in difficulty in the ability of blood to flow through the arteries.Coronary artery disease is the constriction and hardening of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. A heart attack may result from a total blockage of these arteries caused by an excessive buildup of plaque. A fragment of plaque that separates from an arterial wall might also result in a heart blockage. This may result in a coronary artery blood clot, which may cause a heart attack. The heart muscle will start to perish if blood flow is not promptly restored.
Risk Factors for Heart Blockage
Following are the risk factors that enhance the chances of heart blockage:- Advancing age
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Family history of early atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (men less than 55 years old, women less than 65 years old)
- Metabolic syndrome
- High cholesterol (LDL-C 160-189 mg/dL; non-HDL-C 190-219 mg/dL)
- Chronic kidney disease
- History of preeclampsia or early menopause
- Chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, HIV/AIDS)
- High-risk ethnicity (South Asian ancestry)
- Abnormally high triglyceride levels (175 mg/dL or higher) or ankle-brachial index (ABI)
Early Symptoms & Warning Signs of Heart Blockage
Coronary artery blockages typically occur gradually over several years. Individuals with a partial obstruction might not exhibit any symptoms. They might also only experience symptoms when their body requires more oxygen than normal, such as when they are exercising or when they are in stress or experiencing anxiety. The following are possible early signs of a partial heart blockage:- Unexplained fatigue
- Reduced stamina for any physical activity
- Chest discomfort (angina)
- Difficulty in breathing, especially while exerting
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
Heart Blockage Symptoms in Women
Women may experience subtle signs such as nausea, back or jaw pain, or extreme fatigue. These symptoms are often overlooked but are just as serious.Heart Blockage Symptoms in Men
Men commonly experience classic symptoms like chest pain, pain in the left arm, and shortness of breath.Read also How to boost your heart health with exercise
How to Check Heart Blockage at Home?
If you've been diagnosed with coronary artery disease or are at risk, your doctor may recommend monitoring your heart health at home. While you can't confirm a blockage yourself, these steps can help you stay proactive:1. Monitor Your Blood Pressure:
Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on checking your blood pressure at home and choosing the right monitor. A healthy blood pressure range is typically below 120/80 mm Hg, though this may vary depending on factors like age, gender, weight, medications, and overall health.2. Track Your Heart Rate:
Your heart’s workload can be assessed by monitoring your heart rate. To measure your pulse, place two fingers on your wrist and count the beats for one minute. A normal resting heart rate usually falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute.3. Take the Stair Test:
Walking up stairs can give an indication of your heart's performance. Research suggests that climbing four flights of stairs (approximately 60 steps) in 90 seconds or less may be a sign of good heart health.4. Use Wearable Devices:
Wear fitness trackers or smartwatches to monitor your heart rate and detect irregularities. Pay attention to unexpected spikes or drops in your resting heart rate.5. Regularly Check Your Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart blockages. Using a home blood pressure monitor can help you identify trends and detect abnormalities early.6. Utilize Home ECG Devices:
Portable ECG devices, available as wearable or handheld options, can provide insights into your heart’s electrical activity. While convenient, these devices should be used as a supplement, with results reviewed by a healthcare professional.7. Monitor Symptoms:
Keep a diary of symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Note the timing, duration, and triggers for these symptoms. This information can be invaluable for doctors during diagnosis.8. Assess Your Lifestyle:
Evaluate your diet, physical activity, and habits like smoking or alcohol consumption. These factors significantly impact heart health and may indicate areas for improvement.Read also Heart Healthy Eating: A Diet Guide For Cardiac Patients
Medical Tests for Heart Blockages
Following are some lab tests that one can undergo to get tested for heart blockages:- Lipid Panel
- High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Test
- Lipoprotein (a) Test
- Plasma Ceramides Test
- Natriuretic Peptides Test
- Troponin T Test
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Exercise Stress Test
- Echocardiogram (Ultrasound)
- Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test
- Coronary Angiogram
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CCTA)
Conclusion
Heart blockage occurs due to plaque buildup in arteries. While mild blockages may not show symptoms, severe blockages can cause a heart attack. Symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or dizziness require immediate medical attention.At home, you can monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and exercise stamina, but these methods are only supportive—not diagnostic. For proper evaluation and treatment, consult a cardiologist.
If you suspect a heart blockage, contact Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai—one of India’s leading cardiac hospitals—for accurate diagnosis and timely care. Book your consultation today.
FAQs
Q1: Are there home devices to monitor heart health?A: Yes, devices like blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, and smartwatches with ECG features can track heart health indicators.
Q2: What lifestyle tips help prevent heart blockages?
A: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and monitor cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Q3: How does chest pain relate to blockages?
A: Chest pain, especially during exercise or stress, may suggest reduced blood flow due to blockages.
Q4: Can I detect heart blockage at home?
A: No test can confirm blockage at home. However, symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue may signal heart issues.
Q5: What are the first warning signs of heart attack?
A: Chest discomfort, pain in the left arm, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating are early signs. Seek emergency help immediately.
Q6: How can I check if my heart is healthy at home?
A: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and physical stamina. Devices like BP monitors and smartwatches can help, but regular check-ups are essential.
