Daily checking of blood pressure gives the easiest indication in this direction. Continuously increased BP often indicates that the arteries are becoming hard and the heart is having to work harder to pump blood.

It is equally important to keep an eye on heart rate and rhythm. Irregular heartbeat, too fast or too slow heart rate can be an early sign of changes in the arteries or stress on the heart.

The Stair Climb Test is a simple home measure of your ability. If you feel short of breath, dizzy or your chest feels heavy while climbing four flights of stairs, then the blood flow to the heart may be reduced.

Ankle-brachial index test can also be done at home. If there is a difference in the BP of arm and ankle, especially if the BP of ankle is low, then it indicates blockage in the arteries of the legs.

Monitoring symptoms is very important. Chest pressure, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath or unusual sweating can all be early signs of artery problems and should not be ignored.

Nowadays, ECG devices at home are also proving to be very helpful. By recording the electrical activity of the heart, they tell whether there is any additional stress on the heart due to blockage in the arteries.

It is possible to prevent plaque in the arteries, it just takes constant care. Regular exercise, right eating habits, stress-reducing habits and periodic checkups can give you long-term strength and better heart health.