The Easy, At-Home Test That Could Detect Plaque and Save Your Heart

Heart attacks are most common at age 65 for men and 72 for women, but surprisingly, many people don’t know how to prevent them. One of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes is the buildup of arterial plaque, a condition that’s often misunderstood. While most people think of plaque as just cholesterol in the arteries, it’s actually more complicated. Arterial plaque is a thick, sticky substance that’s primarily made up of inflammation, not just fat. This gooey substance builds up in your arteries and can rupture, leading to the formation of dangerous blood clots.

If a clot travels to your heart, it can cause a heart attack; if it travels to your brain, it can cause a stroke.

Before starting any medications, like statins, it’s a good idea to check for plaque buildup. There are various ways to detect plaque, but one of the easiest methods is a test called the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which you can perform at home using just a blood pressure cuff. This test compares the blood pressure in your arms and ankles, and the difference can reveal whether you have plaque blocking your arteries, which could put you at risk for heart disease and stroke.

Important Before You Self-Test

• Your bladder should be empty

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing

• Do not exercise an hour beforehand

• Do not eat or drink anything containing caffeine that day

• Do not use tobacco or alcohol products an hour beforehand

Note: If you've done any procedures to enhance leg circulation, it may effect test results

To perform the ABI test, you’ll need a blood pressure cuff, a pen, and paper to record your numbers. First, you’ll lie down and rest for 10-30 minutes, During the test, you should stay on your back. To ensure your arms and ankles are at heart level for the blood pressure measurement, they might be elevated on pillows or cushions.

Then measure the blood pressure in both arms and both ankles. The highest systolic pressure (the top number) from each location is used for the calculation. The test is simple: you divide the highest ankle number by the highest arm number to get the ABI. A healthy ABI score falls between 1.0 and 1.4, which suggests normal blood flow. A score below 0.9 could indicate that you have plaque in your arteries, which could be narrowing blood flow. A score above 1.4 suggests that your arteries are becoming stiff, a condition known as arterial hardening, which can also be a problem.

So why measure your ankle blood pressure? Arteries in your legs face more challenges than those in your arms. They’re more prone to narrowing, especially if you don’t use your leg muscles enough (for example, from sitting too much). By comparing the pressure in your arms to that in your legs, you can get a sense of how well your arteries are working, and whether there might be plaque causing blockages or hardening.

If your ABI results show a problem, you could be dealing with peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can cause symptoms like leg cramps, pain, swelling, or even hair loss in your legs due to poor blood flow. PAD also significantly increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes because it’s often a sign of widespread plaque buildup that could rupture and form clots.

What should you do if your ABI results aren’t ideal? First of all, don’t panic—this test is just one way to check for problems, and it’s more effective for spotting severe issues rather than subtle plaque buildup. If you have plaque, it’s not too late to take action. Lifestyle changes—like improving your diet, exercising, and managing stress—can help reduce and stabilize plaque in your arteries, reducing your overall heart attack and stroke risk.

In short, understanding the role of plaque in heart disease is crucial. If you’re confused after a doctor’s visit where you’re prescribed medication for high cholesterol, this test can give you more insight into your actual risk. With the right tests and lifestyle changes, you can take control of your heart health and reduce the chances of a life-threatening cardiovascular event. People have seen improvements in arterial blockage within just 6-12 months through healthy eating and regular exercise. So, take steps now to determine what suits you best.

Additional information for further follow-up here: https://mobilephysiotherapyclinic.in/ankle-brachial-index

Medical Disclaimer

This post is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. You are solely responsible for any actions you take or don't take based on provided information as we don't share a doctor-client relationship. For your safety and specific situations, do your diligence and check with your health care professional before trying any treatment or using any information.