Heart health is important, and understanding the signs of potential problems can be life-saving. While advanced medical tests such as blood panels and electrocardiogram (EKG) are essential diagnostic tools, there are simple observations you can make at home to detect potential heart blockages.

Board-certified cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Jeremy explains how to listen to your body for signs of heart trouble.

The importance of listening to your body

Your body often sends signals when something is wrong, and paying attention to these signals is the first step in identifying potential heart blockages.

If you experience tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the jaw or arm during exertion, it may be a sign of a problem. The important thing to see is whether these symptoms subside on rest or not.

These symptoms occur because blockages in the arteries restrict blood flow to specific areas of the heart. The heart demands more oxygenated blood during physical activity or exertion.

For example, if a blockage is present, the area below the blockage becomes “starved” of blood, which can cause discomfort or pain, and when you rest, the heart’s demand for oxygen decreases. , and the symptoms may go away temporarily.

Does the absence of symptoms guarantee good heart health?

It is important to understand that not experiencing these symptoms does not mean that your arteries are free from blockages.

Some individuals have blockages without any noticeable symptoms, a condition known as “silent ischaemia”. That’s why regular health checkups and screenings are essential, especially for people who suffer from risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.

Get Dr. Jeremy’s insight on these observations

Observation at home with a simple test

Although there is no definitive home test to diagnose heart blockage, observing your body’s reactions during everyday activities can provide valuable clues.

• Chest discomfort: Any sensation of chest tightness, pressure, or pain during exertion should raise concern, especially if it subsides with rest.
• Radiating Pain: Pain spreading to the jaw, left arm or even back may be a sign of cardiovascular problems.
• Difficulty in breathing: Abnormal shortness of breath during routine activities may indicate that your heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently.
• Tiredness: Persistent or unusual fatigue, even without chest pain, can be a subtle sign of heart problems.

When to seek medical help

If you notice these symptoms, consult a health care professional immediately. Delaying medical care can lead to serious complications, including heart attack. Your doctor may recommend tests such as an EKG, stress test, or imaging studies to assess the condition of your heart and arteries.

Preventive measures for a healthy heart

Prevention is always better than cure;

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats, trans fats and processed sugars.
• remain active: Regular exercise strengthens your heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. Exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga may help.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blockages. Quitting it can be of great benefit to your heart.
• Regular checkup: Regular health checkups can detect risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol early, allowing timely intervention.

Heart health is a lifelong commitment, and staying active can make a big difference. If you experience concerning symptoms or have risk factors for heart disease, consult your doctor without delay.

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