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Two simple tests will show if your heart is ‘weak’ or ‘strong’, says cardiac doctor
Having a strong heart is the key to living longer and healthier, but how do you know if you have one?
A cardiac surgeon has shared two tests that will analyze your heart health and reveal whether steps need to be taken to lower your risk of heart disease, which has been the leading cause of death in the United States for over 100 years.
Two tests will reveal if your heart is ‘weak’ or ‘strong’
Speaking on TikTok, Dr Jeremy London explained that the two best heart health tests are a physical examination and an echocardiogram.
1. Physical examination
Cardiac issues often show in your body, through things like poor breathing and swelling. During a physical examination, doctors are looking for three things:
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- Shortness of breath while walking
- Not being able to lay flat and breathe comfortably
- Swollen legs
If you notice any of these persistent issues at home, you should visit a doctor as the cardiac surgeon said they are certain “red flags” for heart disease.
2. Echocardiogram
When a doctor is concerned about someone’s heart health, they will refer them for an echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound where a probe is placed on the chest. This sends out high-frequency sound waves that create echoes when they bounce off parts of the body, the NHS explains, which forms pictures of the heart.
It looks at all kinds of things including the structures of your heart and valves, while importantly measuring something called ejection fraction, the percentage of blood ejected from the heart with each beat. A normal ejection fraction is 65% to 70%, and anything lower than that could be an indication of a weak heart at risk of failure.
How to improve your heart health at home
Even if you have no concerns, there are many things everyone can do at home to improve their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.
Staying at a healthy weight, eating a good diet and regular exercise are three of the best things you can do for your heart, MedlinePlus explains. They all keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control, two fatty substances that raise your risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack.
Being overweight causes high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes, while eating a healthy diet rich in nutrition can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Regular physical activity actively strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. It also helps you keep to a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Ensure you get your blood pressure checked at least once a year as high blood pressure is a big heart disease risk factor.
You should also limit alcohol, stop smoking, manage stress, control diabetes and ensure you get enough sleep each night. All adults should try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep and not getting enough can raise your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
Dr Jeremy London is a cardiovascular surgeon based in Savannah, Georgia, who received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia.
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