How to Check Heart Blockage at Home and What Should be Done About It?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a cause of a major global health concern. According to the statistics from World Health Organization (WHO)1, these disorders claim the lives of a approximately 17.9 million people each year adding up to a staggering 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, heart attacks and strokes have been highlighted as the most common culprits, accounting for an overwhelming 85%. While the global impact is undeniable, the issue is relevant even in India. A report published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR)2 in 2023 highlights that there is a concerning lack of public awareness about CVDs, despite them being the leading cause of death in the country. This lack of awareness is further compounded by the fact that many CVDs are preventable and manageable. Therefore, it is critical to diagnose CVDs early. Early detection is important for timely intervention and immediate treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes. Fortunately, there are excellent heart diagnostic services in Mumbai that can help identify potential issues before they become serious.

There are 3 simple ways to check heart blockage at home:

Monitor your blood pressure regularly using a portable blood pressure machine, especially if you are already suffering from high or low blood pressure.
Observe if you get breathless while carrying out daily physical activities.
Use a smart watch to measure your resting heart rate. You can also count your pulse (either on the side of your wrist or side of your neck). The resting heart rate is normally between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

While valuable for understanding heart health, you need to understand that these tests should not replace a professional medical evaluation. Heart Diagnostic Services in Mumbai offers a wide range of advanced diagnostic tools and experienced cardiologists to provide a comprehensive assessment of your heart health.

What are Heart Diagnostic Services?

Heart diagnostic services offer a range of non-invasive, minimally invasive procedures and diagnostic imaging tests that can identify, rule out or treat various types of heart diseases.

Here’s a breakdown of some key heart diagnostic services:

Non-invasive Techniques

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a painless test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. It can help to detect conditions like arrhythmias, or even potential heart attacks.
• Chest X-Ray: This gives a general picture of your heart, lungs, and bones and could reveal certain abnormalities that could indicate heart issues.
• Echocardiogram (Echo): This is an ultrasound technique that creates images of your heart. It allows doctors to assess the structure, function, and blood flow of the heart and its considered a valuable tool to identify problems in the hearts valve problems or heart defects. It is also used to measure pumping efficiency.
• Stress Test: This test evaluates how your heart responds to any physical exertion. This is typically conducted by walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while being monitored.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Cardiac Catheterization: This procedure involves the use of a thin tube called catheter which is inserted into an artery or vein to access your heart’s chambers and valves. It allows doctors to measure and understand the functioning of your heart and is sometimes used to perform corrective procedures like TAVI and TMVR.

Advanced Imaging

• Cardiac MRIs and CT scans: These advanced imaging techniques create detailed images of your heart and surrounding tissues, allowing doctors to get a clearer view of abnormalities that might not be visible with other techniques.

Living in Mumbai offers a significant advantage when it comes to managing your heart health. Heart diagnostic centers like Heart Valve Experts are equipped with advanced technology. It is run by one of India’s most qualified heart diagnostic doctor in Mumbai, assisted by other experts. This Heart diagnostic specialist in Mumbai possesses extensive knowledge and experience in utilizing a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools and equipment to provide the best possible results.

By taking advantage of these resources and prioritizing preventive measures, it is possible to work towards a future where CVDs have a far less devastating impact. So, if you’re looking for a heart diagnostic specialist in Mumbai, you can be confident that you’ll have access to some of the best cardiac specialists in the country at the Heart Valve Experts.