If your father, uncle, grandfather or any family member has suffered from heart disease at a young age, then your risk also increases by 2–3 times. Whether you are active or thin, heart disease can still develop from within.

Lipoprotein, this is a very dangerous type of cholesterol. It is not tested in normal lipid profile. It is completely genetic. Even if your LDL is normal, it can cause blockage in the arteries.

Just running or going to the gym does not reduce stress, excessive stress increases adrenaline, increases blood pressure, increases swelling in the body and weakens the arteries of the heart. Nowadays, the fast corporate lifestyle has a big impact on the heart.

Many people look absolutely fit from outside, but there is swelling inside their body. This inflammation gradually damages the arteries, and increases the risk of heart attack. It is not tested in common blood test.

Sleeping 6 hours a day is not enough. If you keep looking at mobile or using screen till midnight, then metabolic stress increases in the body. This increases cortisol, blood becomes thick, plaque becomes more unstable and chances of sudden heart attack increases.

Running, jogging, yoga are good for fitness, but it does not guarantee that your arteries are clean. Heart disease is caused not only by lifestyle but by many factors like genes, stress, inflammation, sleep and lipoprotein (A).

According to doctors, every person should get some tests done after the age of 25 years. Like Lipoprotein(a), HS-CRP (inflammation test), ApoB, HbA1c, Fasting Insulin, Vitamin D, Homocysteine, TMT (if symptoms appear) and Coronary Calcium Score (after 35 years), these tests can catch the real danger in time.

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.

Chest pain and heaviness: The most common symptom of heart blockage is the feeling of pressure, irritation or heaviness in the chest. This is often called “angina”. This pain can sometimes spread to the shoulder, arm or back. If this is happening again and again, it is necessary to get a doctor checked immediately.

Difficulty in breathing: If you start breathing only when you walk a little or climb the stairs, then it can be a sign of heart blockage. Due to blockage, there is difficulty in reaching oxygen to the heart, which causes difficulty in breathing.

Fatigue and weakness: Feeling tiredness without any heavy work throughout the day, weakness even after sleeping can be a symptom of heart blockage. Due to interruptions in the arteries, the body does not get enough blood and oxygen, which makes the body feel tired.

Dizziness and unconsciousness: When blood flow is interrupted due to heart blockage, enough blood does not reach the brain. This may result in dizziness, head rotating or sometimes fainting. Do not forget to consider it a general weakness.

Swelling in the legs and claws: Not working properly of the heart increases fluid retention in the body. This can cause swelling in the legs, ankles and claws. Apart from heart blockage, it can also be an initial signal of heart failure.

Excessive sweating: Repeated and excessive sweating without heat or exercise can also be a sign of heart blockage. This condition is caused by increased heart pressure and blockage. Especially sweating with chest pain indicates a serious danger.