Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and early detection can significantly improve a person’s chances of successful treatment and recovery. While there are many medical tests available to diagnose heart blockages, these often require a trip to the doctor’s office or hospital. Fortunately, Dr. Jeremy London, a renowned surgeon, has developed an easy method for people to get an idea of their heart health from the comfort of their own homes. In this article, we will explore Dr. London’s at-home test and how it can help individuals identify potential heart problems.
Understanding Heart Blockages
Before we dive into the at-home test, it’s important to understand what heart blockages are and how they can affect your health. A heart blockage occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, often due to a buildup of plaque. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms of heart disease. In severe cases, heart blockages can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, and even death.
Dr. Jeremy London’s At-Home Test
Dr. London’s at-home test is a simple and non-invasive way to check for potential heart blockages. It involves measuring your pulse while performing a specific exercise. Here’s how to do it:
- Find your pulse: Place your index and middle fingers on the inside of your wrist, below your thumb. You should feel a pulsing sensation.
- Count your pulse: Count the number of beats you feel in 10 seconds. Multiply this number by six to get your heart rate per minute.
- Perform the exercise: Sit down and place your feet flat on the floor. Take a deep breath and hold it for 10 seconds. Then, exhale and immediately begin counting your pulse for 10 seconds.
- Compare your pulse: If your pulse decreases by more than 10 beats per minute during the exercise, it could be a sign of a heart blockage.
It’s important to note that this at-home test is not a definitive diagnosis of a heart blockage. However, if you do notice a significant decrease in your pulse during the exercise, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for further testing.
Dr London shared his hack for checking up on your heart health at home (YouTube/drjeremylondon)
How the At-Home Test Works
Dr. London’s at-home test works by measuring the difference in your pulse before and after exercise. When you perform the exercise, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to your muscles. If your heart is healthy, your pulse should increase slightly during the exercise. However, if your heart is blocked, it may not be able to pump enough blood to meet the increased demand, causing your pulse to decrease.
Limitations and Precautions
While Dr. London’s at-home test can be a useful tool for identifying potential heart problems, it’s important to note that it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The test has limitations and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools and risk factors. Additionally, certain factors, such as medication, anxiety, or other health conditions, can affect your pulse and may cause false positive or false negative results.
You might want to check in with your GP if you’ve been experiencing some discomfort in your chest (Getty Stock Photo)
Conclusion
Heart disease is a serious and often life-threatening condition, but early detection and treatment can significantly improve a person’s chances of recovery. Dr. Jeremy London’s at-home test is a simple and non-invasive way to check for potential heart blockages and get an idea of your heart health. While it’s not a definitive diagnosis, it can be a useful tool for identifying potential problems and encouraging individuals to seek further medical advice. By taking charge of your heart health and incorporating simple tests like Dr. London’s at-home test into your routine, you can help ensure a long and healthy life.