heart health information
Nowadays, the risk of cardiovascular diseases is increasing, so it is necessary that every person knows his blood pressure (BP) level. According to the American Heart Association, if someone's blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, it is considered normal.
Use of blood pressure machine in leg
You can measure your blood pressure using a BP machine, but did you know that if you put it on your leg, it could indicate a blockage in the heart? Giving information on this subject, Dr. Saket Goyal, cardiologist of Kota Heart Institute, said.
How to identify blockage?
According to Dr. Saket Goyal, first of all you have to put a BP machine on your hand and take readings. Then, strap the same machine to your ankle and note the readings. Divide both readings between themselves. If the reading is between 1 to 1.3, it is normal. But if it is less than 0.9, there may be a possibility of blockage. If the blood pressure in the leg is lower than the blood pressure in the arm, it may be a sign of blockage in the heart. This is called the ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) score. However, this test alone does not confirm blockage. It requires other tests like ECG, echocardiography, blood tests, stress test, CT coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography.
Don't ignore the symptoms
- Chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- excessive sweating without reason
- Dizziness
- Pain in arm, shoulder, back, neck extending to jaw
If these symptoms appear again and again, contact a doctor immediately. Don't wait for symptoms to go away.
How to take care of heart?
- Avoid junk food.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Stop smoking and tobacco consumption.
- Keep getting your health checked from time to time.