Detecting Blocked Arteries Early: 4 Non-Invasive โขTests Recommended โby Doctors
Blocked arteriesโ are frequently enough subtle and difficult to โdetect. While a healthy diet andโ lifestyle are beneficial, they aren’t always sufficient for prevention. Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr. Jeremyโ London recentlyโข shared four โessential, non-invasive testsโ that can help identify blocked arteries early, reducing theโค risk of serious heart problems.1. Regular โฃBlood pressure Monitoring
high blood pressureโค is frequently called โฃa “silent killer,” and forโค good reason. According to the World Health โขOrganisation (WHO), onyl โapproximately 12% of Indians have theirโ blood pressure adequately controlled. dr. โLondon explains that while lifestyle changes โcan impact blood pressure, uncontrolled hypertension can damage โartery walls over time, โleading to the buildup of fatty deposits andโ increasing the โrisk of blockage. Consistent blood pressure monitoring is therefore crucialโ for early detectionโ andโ preventative measures.
2. Advanced Blood panel for Hidden Risks
Aโฃ standard bloodโ test typically assesses โbasic cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, an Advanced Blood Panel provides a more โextensive โanalysis, identifying โขhidden risks such as:
โ Theโข number and typeโ of โขcholesterol โparticles
Inflammation within blood vessels
* Blood clotting tendencies
Dr. London emphasizes that โeven with normal cholesterol readings, individuals can stillโ develop blocked arteries,โข potentially increasing their risk of a heart attack.
3. DEXA Scan to Measure Hazardous โขVisceral โFat
Visceral fat, located around โคinternal organs in โคtheโ abdomen,โ is a significant risk factor for โarterial blockage.โค Dr. Londonโ describes it as “an engine for inflammation.” A DEXAโข Scan (Dual-Energy X-rayโข Absorptiometry) accurately measures the levels of visceral fatโ in the body. this isโข crucial because visceral fat releases inflammatory proteins โinto the bloodstream, which can damage the โendothelium – the delicate innerโค liningโ of arteries.
4. VO2 Max Test -โ Aโฃ Key โขIndicator of Heart Health
The VO2โ Max Test, which measures maximum oxygen uptake โฃduring โexercise, is considered a powerful indicator โฃof โcardiovascular fitness andโข longevity. Traditionally used โbyโค athletes, cardiologists are now recommending this test for the generalโค population. A low VO2 Max can indicate reduced cardiovascular efficiency and a heightened risk of arterial blockage.
Earlyโ detection of blocked arteries โฃis absolutely possible,โ despiteโ their frequently enough silent and dangerous nature. Regular blood pressure checks, โadvanced blood tests, DEXA scans, andโ the VO2 Max test canโ definitely help identifyโ risks before they become severe.alongside a โขhealthyโ lifestyle, monitoring these indicators is essential for protecting your heart and promoting a โคlonger, healthier life.