With the increasing prevalence of heart diseases and heart attacks, especially among the younger population, it’s crucial to take care of your heart health and monitor it. Is it possible to conduct a heart check at home? Below, we provide several safe and straightforward tests you can try. However, it’s important to consult a doctor first, especially if you already have any underlying health conditions.
Stair test
Do you get out of breath when climbing stairs? The stair test can help you determine the optimal health of your heart.
- For a person with a healthy heart, climbing 60 stairs should take no longer than one and a half minutes. If it takes longer than this time, it may indicate suboptimal heart health, and it would be wise to consult your doctor, according to the Medanta Institute.
Pulse check
- To check your pulse at home, place your middle and index fingers of your right hand on the inside of your left wrist to feel your heartbeats. Count the number of beats for 10 seconds. Multiply that number by six to calculate your heart rate for one minute. A normal pulse rate falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. If your heart rate is above or below this range, it’s time to seek medical consultation, as explained by the institute.
Aerobic activity
If you experience shortness of breath during light aerobic exercises, there may be a possibility of an underlying heart condition. You might also feel fatigue after performing such exercises because an adequate amount of oxygen may not be reaching your muscles. It’s crucial to consult a doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing health issues.
Symptoms of an unhealthy heart
In addition to the tests mentioned above, here are some signs that may indicate an unhealthy heart:
- Swollen feet, ankles, and lower legs
- Reduced endurance
- Chest discomfort
- Pain in the left shoulder and left arm
- Heartburn or back pain
- Sexual health problems
- Sleep apnea
- Bluish or pale gray skin color
- Pain in your toes
Maintaining a healthy heart
A healthy heart requires a healthy lifestyle. This includes daily exercise, staying hydrated, monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a balanced diet.
