Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Fact Check: Are Power Plant Emissions Really Not Dangerous, As The EPA Claims?

Are Power Plant Emissions Really Not Dangerous, As The EPA Claims?

Long have we told that air pollution causes adverse affects to our health, the sources are multiple, including power-plant emission. However, in a controversial move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration proposed a new ruling this week declaring that carbon emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants "do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution". The ruling contradicts decades of climate science, and has also sparked strong criticism from the scientific community. 

To assess the accuracy of the EPA's claim, the Associated Press (AP) reached out to 30 scientists from diverse fields including climate science, public health, and economics. Nineteen of them responded and not even one of them agreed with the EPA's position. Many even went so far as to call the ruling scientifically invalid and misleading. 

<h4>"It Is Like Saying Smoking Doesn't Cause Cancer"</h4>

Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist affiliated with Stripe and Berkeley Earth, called the EPA’s assertion “the scientific equivalent to saying that smoking doesn’t cause lung cancer.”

“The relationship between CO2 emissions and global temperatures has been well established since the late 1800s,” he said, noting that coal burning remains the single largest source of global CO2 emissions, followed by oil and gas. “It is utterly nonsensical to say that carbon emissions from power plants do not contribute significantly to climate change.”

Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, echoed this sentiment: “It’s about as valid as saying that arsenic is not a dangerous substance to consume.”

Howard Frumkin, former director of the National Center for Environmental Health, was equally direct. “The world is round, the sun rises in the east, coal- and gas-fired power plants contribute significantly to climate change, and climate change increases the risk of heatwaves, catastrophic storms, infectious diseases, and many other health threats. These are indisputable facts.”

Economist R. Daniel Bressler of Columbia University emphasized the quantifiable consequences. “In my past work, I found that adding just one year’s worth of emissions from an average-sized coal-fired plant in the U.S. causes 904 expected temperature-related deaths and over $1 billion in total climate damages.”

Kathy Jacobs, a climate scientist from the University of Arizona, said the EPA’s statement contradicts “evidence presented by thousands of scientists from almost 200 countries for decades.”

Others pointed out the simplicity of the science being denied. “It’s basic chemistry and physics,” said Oregon State University’s Phil Mote. “We’ve known these facts since the mid-19th century.”

Andrew Weaver, former Canadian MP and professor at the University of Victoria, called the EPA’s stance a “wanton betrayal of future generations.”

Stanford’s Chris Field, who led a major international climate report, added: “It’s hard to imagine a decision dumber than putting the short-term interests of oil and gas companies ahead of the long-term interests of our children and grandchildren.”

<h4>EPA's Own Contradictory Findings</h4>

While EPA has recently released this ruling, the previous reports in its website say otherwise and in fact have made claims which contradicts its recent finding. A report from February 2025, titled: 'Human Health &amp; Environmental Impacts of the Electric Power Sector' notes:

“Elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone and fine particles...can lead to heart attacks, asthma attacks, stroke, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection, and other serious health effects. Every year, pollution from power plants causes fine particle- and ozone-related premature deaths, new asthma cases, heart attacks, and lost school and work days.”

The report also highlights mercury emissions from power plants as a significant threat to children's neurological development. It further labels electric power generation as the second-largest source of carbon dioxide pollution, contributing to climate change with serious consequences for ecosystems and public health.

The report notes that there are more than 3,400 fossil fuel-fired power plants in the US. All these "power plants are the largest stationary source category of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emissions and a significant source of mercury and fine particle emissions."

As per the American Lung Association, many of fuels used in power generation emit harmful pollutants when burned. The most significant health impacts, it notes, comes from the air emissions from burning fossil fuel, in particular, though not exclusively, from coal-burning power plants. 

The emissions have direct impacts and can cause cancer, especially when sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and mercury is released in the air. 

Particle pollutions are also contributing factors to it, since the particles are tiny, they can blow hundreds of miles from the source. As per the Clean Air Task Force (CATF), fine particle pollution from the US power plants cuts short the lives of nearly 24,000 people each year, including 2800 from lung cancer. 

CATF also notes that power plant pollution is responsible for 38,200 non-fatal heart attacks per year. People who live in metropolitan areas near coal-fired plants fell the impacts more acutely. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

power plant emission health impact

health and wellness

air pollution impact

health impact

power plant emission

epa claims power plant impact not dangerous

Meet the 41-Year-Old Doctor Who Says Supplements Have Reversed His Biological Age To 24

RFK Hires Autism Skeptic To Look Into CDC Autism Data

Can Yoga Help Your Thyroid Issues?

Health & Wellness

Common Mistakes You May Be Making While Working Out

Ways You Are Runing Your Weight Loss Journey

Beyond Fruits – How To Retain Hydration And Stay Safe In Summers

Can This Extremely Hot Weather Trigger Our Mental Health?

You Are Hurting Your Gut Health With These Habits

Avoid The Heat With These Indoor Exercises

Stay Sharp! Activities That Keep Cognitive Diseases At Bay

Protect Your Cardiovascular Health With These Heart Healthy Foods

Ways To Ease Nighttime Anxiety

Smoothie Ideas That Can Help With Weight Loss

Low Fat Foods That Are Actually Unhealthy

All Suryanamaskar Poses And How To Do Them

Do Changing Seasons Affect Your Weight?

Can Heatwave Affect Your Diet?

Heatwave To Monsoon: Health Concerns With Seasonal Changes

Standing Exercises That Help You Burn Calories

Reasons To Do Dancing As A Workout

Why Summer Fruits Are A Great Addition To Your Diet?

What Should You Avoid For Your Bladder?

Lower-Body Exercises For Strong Foundation

Healthy Drinks That Improve Your Digestion

World Tobacco Day: Unexpected Ways Smoking Can Affect You

Seasonal Mood Swings? How Weather Affects Mental Health

Is Calorie Counting Healthy? Dos And Don’ts

Heat-Related Illnesses That You Should Know

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Tips On Period Hygiene

​Add These High Protein Vegetarian Meals To Your Diet​

Top 10 Workouts That Burn Most Calorie

Makhana Season – Healthy &amp; Quick Foxnut Recipes

Monsoon Ahead – Tips On Building Rainy Season Immunity

Do You Have Prickly Heat Rash – Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Healthy No-Cook Recipes You Can Try

How Do You Calorie Count – Numbers And Nutrients

Unexpected Signs Of Dehydration – Safety And Precaution Measures

Leg Exercises You Can Do At Home To Build Strength

Foods That Promote Skin Elasticity

Must-Do Chest Exercises You Can Try At Home

What Are The Symptoms Of JN.1 COVID-19 Strain?

Why Does Sleeping Become Harder As You Age?

High-Fiber Healthy Drinks You Should Try

Long have we told that air pollution causes adverse affects to our health, the sources are multiple, including power-plant emission. However, in a controversial move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration proposed a new ruling this week declaring that carbon emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants "do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution". The ruling contradicts decades of climate science, and has also sparked strong criticism from the scientific community. To assess the accuracy of the EPA's claim, the Associated Press (AP) reached out to 30 scientists from diverse fields including climate science, public health, and economics. Nineteen of them responded and not even one of them agreed with the EPA's position. Many even went so far as to call the ruling scientifically invalid and misleading. "It Is Like Saying Smoking Doesn't Cause Cancer"Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist affiliated with Stripe and Berkeley Earth, called the EPA’s assertion “the scientific equivalent to saying that smoking doesn’t cause lung cancer.”“The relationship between CO2 emissions and global temperatures has been well established since the late 1800s,” he said, noting that coal burning remains the single largest source of global CO2 emissions, followed by oil and gas. “It is utterly nonsensical to say that carbon emissions from power plants do not contribute significantly to climate change.”Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, echoed this sentiment: “It’s about as valid as saying that arsenic is not a dangerous substance to consume.”Howard Frumkin, former director of the National Center for Environmental Health, was equally direct. “The world is round, the sun rises in the east, coal- and gas-fired power plants contribute significantly to climate change, and climate change increases the risk of heatwaves, catastrophic storms, infectious diseases, and many other health threats. These are indisputable facts.”What Could The Denial Cost?Economist R. Daniel Bressler of Columbia University emphasized the quantifiable consequences. “In my past work, I found that adding just one year’s worth of emissions from an average-sized coal-fired plant in the U.S. causes 904 expected temperature-related deaths and over $1 billion in total climate damages.”Kathy Jacobs, a climate scientist from the University of Arizona, said the EPA’s statement contradicts “evidence presented by thousands of scientists from almost 200 countries for decades.”Others pointed out the simplicity of the science being denied. “It’s basic chemistry and physics,” said Oregon State University’s Phil Mote. “We’ve known these facts since the mid-19th century.”Andrew Weaver, former Canadian MP and professor at the University of Victoria, called the EPA’s stance a “wanton betrayal of future generations.”Stanford’s Chris Field, who led a major international climate report, added: “It’s hard to imagine a decision dumber than putting the short-term interests of oil and gas companies ahead of the long-term interests of our children and grandchildren.”EPA's Own Contradictory FindingsWhile EPA has recently released this ruling, the previous reports in its website say otherwise and in fact have made claims which contradicts its recent finding. A report from February 2025, titled: 'Human Health & Environmental Impacts of the Electric Power Sector' notes:“Elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone and fine particles...can lead to heart attacks, asthma attacks, stroke, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection, and other serious health effects. Every year, pollution from power plants causes fine particle- and ozone-related premature deaths, new asthma cases, heart attacks, and lost school and work days.”The report also highlights mercury emissions from power plants as a significant threat to children's neurological development. It further labels electric power generation as the second-largest source of carbon dioxide pollution, contributing to climate change with serious consequences for ecosystems and public health.The report notes that there are more than 3,400 fossil fuel-fired power plants in the US. All these "power plants are the largest stationary source category of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emissions and a significant source of mercury and fine particle emissions."What Do Other Findings Say?As per the American Lung Association, many of fuels used in power generation emit harmful pollutants when burned. The most significant health impacts, it notes, comes from the air emissions from burning fossil fuel, in particular, though not exclusively, from coal-burning power plants. The emissions have direct impacts and can cause cancer, especially when sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and mercury is released in the air. Particle pollutions are also contributing factors to it, since the particles are tiny, they can blow hundreds of miles from the source. As per the Clean Air Task Force (CATF), fine particle pollution from the US power plants cuts short the lives of nearly 24,000 people each year, including 2800 from lung cancer. CATF also notes that power plant pollution is responsible for 38,200 non-fatal heart attacks per year. People who live in metropolitan areas near coal-fired plants fell the impacts more acutely. 

fact check: are power plant emissions really not dangerous, as the epa claims?

Aarushi Bhadury

Accelerated Biological Aging Could Make You At Risk For Dementia: Study

Fitness

Biking Can Help Your Brain Stay Young - Study Finds Biking To Reduce Risk Of Dementia

biking can help your brain stay young - study finds biking to reduce risk of dementia

Appendix Cancer vs. Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes And How To Tell the Difference Early

appendix cancer vs. diverticulitis: symptoms, causes and how to tell the difference early

Nutrition

What Is The 'Meal Memory' Cell That Leads To Overeating?

what is the 'meal memory' cell that leads to overeating?

Parents Could Be Leading Their Children To Food Allergies Unknowingly

parents could be leading their children to food allergies unknowingly

We have all heard people say that they are old souls trapped in a young body, however, this is a figure of speech people use. While this phrase may mean you like old school things, it can also happen literally. Sometimes your body ages faster than you do, but this is the biological age we are talking about. While chronological aging is counted as the years we have lived, biological age can be faster or slower. 

Think of it as perishable food. If you leave them in unfavorable environments, they can spoil fast, becoming edible. However, when you keep them in the correct environment with even temperature, the food will stay edible for longer than it should. Our bodies are similar in that sense. If you take care of it, limiting processed food, exercising and taking care of your health, you will find that your biological age is much slower or healthier than a person who does the opposite. However, what is the connection between biological aging and our lifestyle. How do we age slower/faster depending on our choices. 

A new study suggests that signs of faster aging in your body are connected to a <span>higher chance of developing dementia</span> and stroke. Specifically, researchers found that people with <span>shorter telomeres</span> in their white blood cells tend to have an increased risk of these two brain conditions. These findings were published recently in the journal <span>Neurology</span>. 

<h2>What Are Telomeres and Why Do They Matter? </h2>

Think of telomeres as the protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes, much like the plastic tips on shoelaces. They prevent your chromosomes from unraveling and getting damaged. Every time your cells divide, these telomeres get a little shorter. This makes them a useful way to estimate a person's biological age, which is how much wear and tear your body has accumulated from stress over time, rather than just your age in years. Your biological age can be quite different from your actual age. 

<h2>Lifestyle Habits Can Counter the Risk </h2>

However, there's good news: the study found that this link between shorter telomeres and brain diseases wasn't present in people who maintained healthy lifestyle habits. This suggests that even if your body shows signs of faster aging, you can still reduce your risk of age-related brain diseases. This includes things like keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These healthy choices can help delay the aging of your cells and lower your chances of developing these conditions, especially if you're already at a higher risk.

For this study, researchers looked at genetic data from over 356,000 people. They categorized participants into three groups based on the length of their telomeres: short, medium, or long. They then compared telomere length to people's lifestyle habits and whether they had developed dementia, stroke, or depression. 

Over an average of seven years, nearly 26,000 people developed at least one of these three age-related brain diseases. People with the shortest telomeres had significantly more cases of these brain diseases compared to those with the longest telomeres. Overall, after considering other risk factors, individuals with short telomeres were 11% more likely to develop one of these brain diseases. More specifically, they faced an 8% increased risk of stroke, a 19% increased risk of dementia, and a 14% increased risk of late-life dementia.

It's important to remember that this study shows a connection, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship between telomere length and brain health. 

Accelerated Biological Aging

neurology

lifestyle habits can counter the risk however

shorter telomeres

higher chance of developing dementia

dementia and stroke

We have all heard people say that they are old souls trapped in a young body, however, this is a figure of speech people use. While this phrase may mean you like old school things, it can also happen literally. Sometimes your body ages faster than you do, but this is the biological age we are talking about. While chronological aging is counted as the years we have lived, biological age can be faster or slower. Think of it as perishable food. If you leave them in unfavorable environments, they can spoil fast, becoming edible. However, when you keep them in the correct environment with even temperature, the food will stay edible for longer than it should. Our bodies are similar in that sense. If you take care of it, limiting processed food, exercising and taking care of your health, you will find that your biological age is much slower or healthier than a person who does the opposite. However, what is the connection between biological aging and our lifestyle. How do we age slower/faster depending on our choices. A new study suggests that signs of faster aging in your body are connected to a higher chance of developing dementia and stroke. Specifically, researchers found that people with shorter telomeres in their white blood cells tend to have an increased risk of these two brain conditions. These findings were published recently in the journal Neurology. What Are Telomeres and Why Do They Matter? Think of telomeres as the protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes, much like the plastic tips on shoelaces. They prevent your chromosomes from unraveling and getting damaged. Every time your cells divide, these telomeres get a little shorter. This makes them a useful way to estimate a person's biological age, which is how much wear and tear your body has accumulated from stress over time, rather than just your age in years. Your biological age can be quite different from your actual age. Lifestyle Habits Can Counter the Risk However, there's good news: the study found that this link between shorter telomeres and brain diseases wasn't present in people who maintained healthy lifestyle habits. This suggests that even if your body shows signs of faster aging, you can still reduce your risk of age-related brain diseases. This includes things like keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These healthy choices can help delay the aging of your cells and lower your chances of developing these conditions, especially if you're already at a higher risk. Shorter Telomeres, Higher Risk For this study, researchers looked at genetic data from over 356,000 people. They categorized participants into three groups based on the length of their telomeres: short, medium, or long. They then compared telomere length to people's lifestyle habits and whether they had developed dementia, stroke, or depression. Over an average of seven years, nearly 26,000 people developed at least one of these three age-related brain diseases. People with the shortest telomeres had significantly more cases of these brain diseases compared to those with the longest telomeres. Overall, after considering other risk factors, individuals with short telomeres were 11% more likely to develop one of these brain diseases. More specifically, they faced an 8% increased risk of stroke, a 19% increased risk of dementia, and a 14% increased risk of late-life dementia.It's important to remember that this study shows a connection, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship between telomere length and brain health. 

accelerated biological aging could make you at risk for dementia: study

Fighting The Urge To Pee When You See The Bathroom - Study Finds Treatment For 'Latchkey Incontinence'

Study Finds Treatment For 'Latchkey Incontinence'

Ayurveda

Can Ayurveda Helps Us Fix Our Sleeping Habits?

can ayurveda helps us fix our sleeping habits?

Sometimes it feels like our bladder has a mind of its own, ringing the washroom alarm at the most inconvenient times. However, what makes it more difficult is that many people, who have difficulty holding the urge or have any bladder issues, find it very difficult to make it in time. 

Have you ever felt a sudden, strong urge to pee right when you see your front door, put your key in the lock, or open your garage? This common experience is called "<span>latchkey incontinence</span>." Researchers believe they've found ways to <span>reduce these sudden urges</span> and bladder leaks triggered by such familiar cues.

A recent study, published in the June issue of Continence, shows that both mindfulness training and brain stimulation helped reduce bladder leaks in people with latchkey incontinence. Bladder leaks can be very distressing. As one researcher explained, "Incontinence is a massive deal." People might avoid social activities or exercise because they worry about accidents, which can lead to loneliness and depression, especially for older adults. 

<h2>Why Do People Get The Urge To Pee When You See A Bathroom?</h2>

Latchkey incontinence is a type of situational urgency incontinence, meaning specific triggers make you feel like you need to urinate right away. Other common triggers include hearing or seeing running water, or walking past a public restroom. 

This is similar to Pavlovian conditioning: after years of going to the bathroom once you're inside your house, your body learns to associate certain actions, like opening your front door, with the need to urinate. Earlier research connected latchkey incontinence to a specific part of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This area becomes more active when people are shown their personal triggers. This part of the brain acts like the "executive control center" for your bladder, telling you it's time to go. 

<h2>What Are the New Testing Treatments?</h2>

For this study, researchers wanted to find ways to control this brain response. They worked with 61 women over 40 who experienced situational urgency incontinence. These women were divided into three groups while viewing photos of their personal triggers: 

<ul><li>One group listened to a 20-minute mindfulness exercise.</li><li>Another group received brain stimulation through electrodes placed on their scalp.</li><li>The third group received both mindfulness and brain stimulation.</li></ul>

The mindfulness exercise involved paying attention to different parts of their body, including any bladder sensations. After just four in-office sessions over five or six days, all three groups experienced less urgency and fewer leaks. The improvements were similar to those seen with other treatments like medication or physical therapy for the pelvic floor. 

These results are very encouraging because they suggest that tools like mindfulness can be an alternative or an additional way to improve symptoms. Most participants completed the study, and some even sent "thank you cards," showing how much this research meant to them. Incontinence is often a difficult topic to discuss, and many people don't realize that treatments are available. As one researcher said, "You don’t have to suffer in silence." 

Next, researchers plan to test the mindfulness therapy in living facilities for seniors and hope to eventually create a smartphone app that can help people manage their symptoms.

women health

latchkey incontinence

fighting the urge to pee

treatment for 'latchkey incontinence'

bladder health

solutions for bladder leaks

reduce these sudden urges

Sometimes it feels like our bladder has a mind of its own, ringing the washroom alarm at the most inconvenient times. However, what makes it more difficult is that many people, who have difficulty holding the urge or have any bladder issues, find it very difficult to make it in time. Have you ever felt a sudden, strong urge to pee right when you see your front door, put your key in the lock, or open your garage? This common experience is called "latchkey incontinence." Researchers believe they've found ways to reduce these sudden urges and bladder leaks triggered by such familiar cues.A recent study, published in the June issue of Continence, shows that both mindfulness training and brain stimulation helped reduce bladder leaks in people with latchkey incontinence. Bladder leaks can be very distressing. As one researcher explained, "Incontinence is a massive deal." People might avoid social activities or exercise because they worry about accidents, which can lead to loneliness and depression, especially for older adults. Why Do People Get The Urge To Pee When You See A Bathroom?Latchkey incontinence is a type of situational urgency incontinence, meaning specific triggers make you feel like you need to urinate right away. Other common triggers include hearing or seeing running water, or walking past a public restroom. This is similar to Pavlovian conditioning: after years of going to the bathroom once you're inside your house, your body learns to associate certain actions, like opening your front door, with the need to urinate. Earlier research connected latchkey incontinence to a specific part of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This area becomes more active when people are shown their personal triggers. This part of the brain acts like the "executive control center" for your bladder, telling you it's time to go. What Are the New Testing Treatments?For this study, researchers wanted to find ways to control this brain response. They worked with 61 women over 40 who experienced situational urgency incontinence. These women were divided into three groups while viewing photos of their personal triggers: One group listened to a 20-minute mindfulness exercise.Another group received brain stimulation through electrodes placed on their scalp.The third group received both mindfulness and brain stimulation.The mindfulness exercise involved paying attention to different parts of their body, including any bladder sensations. After just four in-office sessions over five or six days, all three groups experienced less urgency and fewer leaks. The improvements were similar to those seen with other treatments like medication or physical therapy for the pelvic floor. These results are very encouraging because they suggest that tools like mindfulness can be an alternative or an additional way to improve symptoms. Most participants completed the study, and some even sent "thank you cards," showing how much this research meant to them. Incontinence is often a difficult topic to discuss, and many people don't realize that treatments are available. As one researcher said, "You don’t have to suffer in silence." Next, researchers plan to test the mindfulness therapy in living facilities for seniors and hope to eventually create a smartphone app that can help people manage their symptoms.

Fighting The Urge To Pee When You See The Bathroom? 'Latchkey Incontinence' Is Real And Now We  Have A Treatment

fighting the urge to pee when you see the bathroom - study finds treatment for 'latchkey incontinence'

Tanya Dutt

Alarming Signs of Heart Blockages You Can Spot At Home, Cardiologist Shares Life Saving Tips

Health News

Meet The 14-Year-Old Genius Behind An AI That Can Detect Heart Disease Within 7 Seconds

meet the 14-year-old genius behind an ai that can detect heart disease within 7 seconds

Hay Fever Is Worse Than Ever This Year- Avoid These 3 Everyday Triggers

hay fever is worse than ever this year- avoid these 3 everyday triggers

Limited Drinking Is NOT Safe, Says American Heart Association

limited drinking is not safe, says american heart association

With the rising number of cases related to various heart related issues, health anxiety can provoke spiralling thoughts like "what if I am getting a heart attack now" or "can I prevent a heart attack"? If your body is whispering a warning that you can’t afford to ignore it.

In the high-stakes world of <span>heart health</span>, seconds count. Yet many people fail to recognize early warning signs of heart blockages until it's too late. While sophisticated tests like ECGs and angiograms are crucial, what if your own body could offer clues long before a medical emergency unfolds? According to leading cardiac experts, it often does.

So, how can you detect these warning signs without a single test? And what should you do if you're home alone when symptoms strike? A leading heart surgeon breaks it all down for you.

With rising cardiovascular disease rates worldwide—especially among younger adults—being able to identify early red flags of heart blockages from the comfort of your home isn’t just helpful; it could be life-saving. Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon from Georgia and a popular voice in the heart health community, is on a mission to teach everyday people how to read their body’s signals and act swiftly in case of a cardiac emergency.

<h2>Spotting Heart Blockages Without Medical Tests</h2>

Dr. London emphasizes that no blood test or medical scan is a substitute for listening to your own body. “How can you tell that you may have important blockages of the heart arteries without a single blood test, X-ray, or ECG?” he asks. “Well, not surprisingly, you have to listen to your body.”

The human heart often signals distress long before it fails. According to Dr. London, four symptoms deserve immediate attention:

<ul><li>Chest tightness or discomfort</li><li>Persistent chest pain</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Radiating pain to the jaw or arm</li></ul>

What’s critical, he says, is the pattern of these symptoms. “If these sensations worsen with exertion—like walking upstairs or brisk movement—and ease when you rest, that’s a red flag,” he explains. This pattern suggests the presence of a partially blocked artery struggling to meet the heart’s demand for oxygen during physical activity.

Dr. London likens it to a clogged pipe: “Let’s assume you have a blockage in the artery that feeds the front of the heart. When you move, that area becomes blood-starved and you experience symptoms. When you stop and rest, the demand drops, and so do the symptoms.”

<h2>What Are Silent Heart Blockages?</h2>

Not all heart blockages present textbook symptoms. Many people, especially women, diabetics, and older adults, may have "silent ischemia"—a form of heart disease without obvious discomfort. Dr. London cautions that while the presence of exertion-based chest pain is concerning, the absence of symptoms does not mean your arteries are clear.

This is why annual health checkups and paying close attention to subtle changes in physical endurance or energy levels are essential, especially for individuals over 40 or with a family history of cardiovascular issues.

<h2>What To Do If You Suspect a Heart Attack At Home?</h2>

If you feel you are experiencing a heart attack while alone at home is a terrifying scenario but there are crucial steps you can take to protect yourself until help arrives.

Time is the most critical factor. Don't wait for the symptoms to go away. Call emergency services without delay.

“If it's nighttime, turn on all your lights—inside and out—so EMS can identify your home quickly,” says Dr. London. He adds, “Unlock or even better, open your front door. If you become incapacitated, responders won’t have to break in or waste time trying to gain entry.”

This reduces the risk of injury if you faint. A fall during a cardiac event could compound the danger with head trauma or bone fractures.

If you can, alert a friend or family member. Not only can they come to assist, but they can also inform paramedics of your medical history, medications, or allergies if you’re unable to speak.

Dr. London strongly encourages households—especially those with elderly members or individuals at high risk of heart disease—to create a personalized emergency plan. “Preparation can save lives,” he says. Your plan should include:

<ul><li>Emergency contact numbers</li><li>Access to any prescribed medications like aspirin or nitroglycerin</li><li>Easy access to doors and visible house numbers</li><li>A buddy system or wellness check arrangement if living alone</li></ul>

<h2>Can You Prevent Blockages In Your Heart?</h2>

Spotting symptoms early is essential but preventing blockages in the first place is even better. A heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk:

Diet: Emphasize fiber-rich, whole foods while limiting saturated fats and processed sugar.

Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

Regular checkups: Keep tabs on cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels.

Stress management: Chronic stress can raise cortisol and blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Quit smoking: Tobacco use narrows arteries and increases plaque buildup.

Heart blockages often give off clues but only if we’re paying attention. Dr. Jeremy London’s insights offer a wake-up call to listen more closely to what our bodies are saying, especially during moments of physical exertion or unexplained fatigue.

Learning how to detect and respond to potential heart issues while at home doesn’t replace professional medical care but it can bridge the critical minutes between symptom onset and lifesaving intervention.

heart health

heart blockage symptoms

early signs of heart attack

detect heart disease at home

cardiac arrest warning signs

home heart health tips

cardiologist advice

chest pain causes

With the rising number of cases related to various heart related issues, health anxiety can provoke spiralling thoughts like "what if I am getting a heart attack now" or "can I prevent a heart attack"? If your body is whispering a warning that you can’t afford to ignore it.In the high-stakes world of heart health, seconds count. Yet many people fail to recognize early warning signs of heart blockages until it's too late. While sophisticated tests like ECGs and angiograms are crucial, what if your own body could offer clues long before a medical emergency unfolds? According to leading cardiac experts, it often does.So, how can you detect these warning signs without a single test? And what should you do if you're home alone when symptoms strike? A leading heart surgeon breaks it all down for you.With rising cardiovascular disease rates worldwide—especially among younger adults—being able to identify early red flags of heart blockages from the comfort of your home isn’t just helpful; it could be life-saving. Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon from Georgia and a popular voice in the heart health community, is on a mission to teach everyday people how to read their body’s signals and act swiftly in case of a cardiac emergency.Spotting Heart Blockages Without Medical TestsDr. London emphasizes that no blood test or medical scan is a substitute for listening to your own body. “How can you tell that you may have important blockages of the heart arteries without a single blood test, X-ray, or ECG?” he asks. “Well, not surprisingly, you have to listen to your body.”The human heart often signals distress long before it fails. According to Dr. London, four symptoms deserve immediate attention:Chest tightness or discomfortPersistent chest painShortness of breathRadiating pain to the jaw or armWhat’s critical, he says, is the pattern of these symptoms. “If these sensations worsen with exertion—like walking upstairs or brisk movement—and ease when you rest, that’s a red flag,” he explains. This pattern suggests the presence of a partially blocked artery struggling to meet the heart’s demand for oxygen during physical activity.  ]]>Dr. London likens it to a clogged pipe: “Let’s assume you have a blockage in the artery that feeds the front of the heart. When you move, that area becomes blood-starved and you experience symptoms. When you stop and rest, the demand drops, and so do the symptoms.”What Are Silent Heart Blockages?Not all heart blockages present textbook symptoms. Many people, especially women, diabetics, and older adults, may have "silent ischemia"—a form of heart disease without obvious discomfort. Dr. London cautions that while the presence of exertion-based chest pain is concerning, the absence of symptoms does not mean your arteries are clear.This is why annual health checkups and paying close attention to subtle changes in physical endurance or energy levels are essential, especially for individuals over 40 or with a family history of cardiovascular issues.What To Do If You Suspect a Heart Attack At Home?If you feel you are experiencing a heart attack while alone at home is a terrifying scenario but there are crucial steps you can take to protect yourself until help arrives.1. Call 911 ImmediatelyTime is the most critical factor. Don't wait for the symptoms to go away. Call emergency services without delay.2. Make Yourself Easy to Find“If it's nighttime, turn on all your lights—inside and out—so EMS can identify your home quickly,” says Dr. London. He adds, “Unlock or even better, open your front door. If you become incapacitated, responders won’t have to break in or waste time trying to gain entry.”3. Sit or Lie DownThis reduces the risk of injury if you faint. A fall during a cardiac event could compound the danger with head trauma or bone fractures.4. Inform Someone You TrustIf you can, alert a friend or family member. Not only can they come to assist, but they can also inform paramedics of your medical history, medications, or allergies if you’re unable to speak.Dr. London strongly encourages households—especially those with elderly members or individuals at high risk of heart disease—to create a personalized emergency plan. “Preparation can save lives,” he says. Your plan should include:Emergency contact numbersAccess to any prescribed medications like aspirin or nitroglycerinEasy access to doors and visible house numbersA buddy system or wellness check arrangement if living aloneCan You Prevent Blockages In Your Heart?Spotting symptoms early is essential but preventing blockages in the first place is even better. A heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk:Diet: Emphasize fiber-rich, whole foods while limiting saturated fats and processed sugar.Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.Regular checkups: Keep tabs on cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels.Stress management: Chronic stress can raise cortisol and blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular risk.Quit smoking: Tobacco use narrows arteries and increases plaque buildup.Heart blockages often give off clues but only if we’re paying attention. Dr. Jeremy London’s insights offer a wake-up call to listen more closely to what our bodies are saying, especially during moments of physical exertion or unexplained fatigue.Learning how to detect and respond to potential heart issues while at home doesn’t replace professional medical care but it can bridge the critical minutes between symptom onset and lifesaving intervention.

alarming signs of heart blockages you can spot at home, cardiologist shares life saving tips

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