Early Heart Attack Risk Rising Among Young Adults: Simple At-Home Test Could Save Lives
By [skdknews.com] | Health News Desk
For decades, heart attacks were thought of as a disease of older adults—most common around age 65 in men and 72 in women. But new data shows a worrying trend: since 2020, almost half of all reported heart attack cases have been in people aged 40 or younger.
This alarming shift means even those in their 30s and early 40s cannot assume they are safe. Experts say that early detection of arterial problems is critical—and there’s a surprisingly simple test you can perform at home using only a digital blood pressure monitor.
It’s called the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test, and it can reveal early signs of artery narrowing or blockage—sometimes years before other medical tests show abnormalities.
What Causes a Heart Attack? It’s Not Just Cholesterol
Many people believe high cholesterol is the primary cause of heart attacks. In reality, the true culprit is arterial plaque—a sticky, inflammation-filled substance that forms inside arteries.
When this plaque ruptures, fragments can travel through the bloodstream, forming clots. If a clot blocks blood flow to the heart, a heart attack occurs; if it blocks blood flow to the brain, a stroke results.
Why the ABI Test Is a Game-Changer
Most diagnostic methods, like coronary CT scans or calcium scoring, are expensive and require hospital visits. The ABI test, however, can be done at home in just a few minutes. It works by comparing blood pressure readings in your ankles with those in your arms.
Why ankles? Arteries in the legs are often the first to show signs of plaque buildup because they are longer, farther from the heart, and work against gravity to circulate blood. Detecting reduced blood flow here can give an early warning of cardiovascular disease.
How to Perform the ABI Test at Home
You’ll need:
-
A digital blood pressure monitor
-
A pen and paper
-
A quiet, comfortable space
Step-by-step guide:
-
Lie down and rest for 5 minutes to stabilize your blood pressure.
-
Measure blood pressure in the left arm and right arm, noting only the systolic number (the top reading).
-
Measure blood pressure in the left ankle and right ankle, placing the cuff just above the ankle bone, with the tube on the inner side.
-
Identify the highest systolic reading from the ankles and the highest systolic reading from the arms.
-
Divide the ankle number by the arm number. This is your ABI score.
How to Read Your ABI Score
-
1.0 – 1.4: Normal. Healthy blood flow; minimal to no plaque.
-
0.9 – 1.0: Borderline. Slight narrowing; lifestyle changes recommended.
-
< 0.8: Warning. Significant narrowing or blockage; see a doctor immediately.
-
> 1.4: Arteries may be stiff or hardened; further testing needed.
What to Do If Your ABI Score Is Low
If your ABI score is below normal, experts recommend:
-
Getting advanced lipid and inflammation marker tests (e.g., hs-CRP).
-
Quitting smoking and avoiding all tobacco products.
-
Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber.
-
Exercising regularly, especially walking, to improve leg circulation.
-
Managing blood pressure and blood sugar through medication or diet as advised by a doctor.
The Bottom Line
The Ankle-Brachial Index test is a low-cost, non-invasive, and powerful tool for detecting early artery disease—sometimes before symptoms appear. With heart attacks striking younger people in unprecedented numbers, early detection and lifestyle intervention could save thousands of lives.
Remember: Your arteries run from head to toe. Healthy legs often mean a healthy heart.