Heart diseases on the rise in India: Early symptoms of heart blockage and easy home testing methods

The cases of cardiovascular disease (heart disease) are increasing rapidly in India. This problem is increasing due to factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, bad lifestyle and belly fat. Experts believe that the risk of heart disease in Indians starts from an early age. Although regular checkups are necessary, it is also possible to recognize and diagnose early symptoms of heart blockage at home.

Factors that increase heart blockage

Heart problems are usually linked to certain lifestyle and health conditions.

Common causes of heart blockage

1. smoking: Smoking increases the risk of blockage in the heart veins.
2. high blood pressure: It puts pressure on the veins and puts extra load on the heart.
3. high cholesterol: Accumulation of cholesterol in the veins can obstruct blood flow.
4. diabetes: Imbalance of blood sugar makes the heart weak.
5. obesity:Excess body weight puts pressure on the heart.
6. family history: If there is a family history of heart disease, the risk is higher.
7. Metabolic Syndrome and Chronic Kidney Disease: These conditions further increase the risk of heart blockage.

Controlling these factors and being alert in time helps in maintaining good heart health.

Early symptoms of heart blockage

Signs of heart blockage may appear gradually. Some of these major symptoms are as follows:

• Tiredness: Constant feeling of fatigue without any special effort.
• difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath even during light activity.
• chest discomfort: Feeling of pain, burning or heaviness in the chest.
• headache and dizziness: Blockage of blood flow can cause headache and dizziness.
• decrease in stamina: Fatigue and lack of energy even in normal tasks.

If these symptoms are felt repeatedly, it may be a sign of heart blockage and a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Easy ways to check heart blockage at home

1. Monitor blood pressure

• Blood pressure is the most important indicator of your heart health.
• normal range: 120/80 mmHg is considered ideal.
• Check blood pressure regularly. If there are repeated high or low readings, it may be a cause for concern.

2. Track heart rate

• It is very easy to monitor heart rate.
• Place two fingers on your wrist and count your heartbeats for 60 seconds.
• normal heart rate: 60-100 beats per minute.
• Contact your doctor in case of any irregularity.

3. Test the stairs

• Check your heart health with a simple test.
• Being able to climb 60 stairs in 90 seconds or less is a sign of a healthy heart.
• If there is difficulty in breathing or climbing stairs, it may be a sign of heart weakness.

4. Locate the blockage with fingers

• According to a method that went viral recently, press the ring finger and little finger with other fingers and try to take the middle finger to the palm.
• symptoms: If pain is felt near the wrist, there may be blockage in the nerves. Consult a doctor in this situation.

Ways to keep heart healthy

make lifestyle changes

1. balanced diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, and adopt a low-fat diet.
2. regular exercise: Do 30 minutes of light exercise daily.
3. quit smoking and alcohol: These habits make the heart weak.
4. reduce stress: Attain mental peace through meditation and yoga.

get regular checkups done

• To avoid heart problems, get a checkup done by a doctor once a year.
• Get ECG, cholesterol level and sugar tests done regularly.