A heart surgeon with 25 years of experience has revealed how a simple test can help you determine if something is wrong with your ticker.
Dr. Jeremy London explained that he has a simple method that can let you know if the major organ is working as it should.
The best part is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home and it should only take a short time – so really, there’s no excuse not to try.
Dr. London explained that you don’t always need to bother with a blood test, an X-ray, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to get an idea of your heart’s health.
The US expert says his tip can check the sufficiency of your arteries and indicate if there could be a blockage.
In a recent video shared on his YouTube channel (@drjeremylondon), he shared the details of his health hack.
He said: “How do you know that you may have significant blockages in your heart arteries without a single blood test, X-ray or ECG?
“Well, not surprisingly, you need to listen to your body.”
Dr. London shared his tip for checking your heart health at home (YouTube/drjeremylondon)
Listing some “red flags” to look out for, Dr London warned that chest tightness, chest pain and shortness of breath could be a worrying sign.
Additionally, if you suffer from pain that radiates to the jaw or arm with effort relieved by rest, this may also be a sign that your ticker is in poor condition.
Dr. London then explained why these symptoms might suggest that the arteries in your heart might be a little clogged.
“Suppose for a moment that you have a blockage in the artery in the front of the heart,” he said. “When you exercise, the area under the blockage lacks blood and you start to experience these symptoms.
“When you rest, the demand on this area of the heart decreases and the pain goes away.”
This experience is often associated with angina, which is generally non-life-threatening chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, according to the NHS.
You may want to see your GP if you experience chest discomfort (Getty Stock Photo)
“But it is a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke,” says the NHS.
It’s also a common symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD), which occurs when your coronary arteries narrow because of the fatty material in their walls.
The British Heart Foundation explains: “Over time, a fatty material called atheroma (sometimes called plaque) can build up inside your coronary arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis.
“Eventually, your arteries can become so narrow that they can no longer carry enough blood to your heart.”
According to the cardiovascular research charity, many people with blocked arteries or atherosclerosis are unaware of it “until they develop symptoms, such as angina or claudication”.
Dr London added: “Clearly not having this situation does not mean you don’t have blockages in the heart arteries, but if they do occur you should see a qualified healthcare professional.”
As he said, take the test and then you can see your GP if you have any concerns.
